Australia’s largest food services provider, Compass Group Australia is taking action against food waste and has joined forces with food rescue organisation OzHarvest.
At the recent Food Waste Summit, the Federal Government placed the issue of food
waste on the national agenda. Within the commercial and industry food sector alone,
it is estimated around 3 million tonnes of food is wasted every year.
Compass operates 480 sites across Australia supplying food and services to a wide
range of industries from manufacturing through to education. In the mining and
resources sector where Compass operates in some of Australia’s most remote and
sensitive environments, the business works closely with clients and suppliers to plan
food consumption and minimise waste.
This year Compass’ Urban sites launched the ‘Stop Food Waste’ campaign, drawing
on the Company’s successful experience in overseas markets. This campaign will
see Compass sites measure food waste across 3 categories:
- food scraps,
- perished food and
- good food that is not going to be used.
This daily tally will provide a clear view of how much food is being wasted and a
series of ‘food sustainability’ tools will equip Compass sites to reduce food wastage.
These include:
- improved food ordering guides
- menu planning guides and
- creative ideas on ways to repurpose ‘good food’
Compass Group Australia Managing Director Shelley Roberts says Compass is
committed to reducing food waste and is delighted to work alongside OzHarvest to
improve food sustainability practices.
“Compass Group Australia purchases around 50,000 tonnes of fresh food every
year. By managing food sustainably and reducing waste, we can help our clients
save money, help those in the community who are in need, and conserve valuable
agricultural resources for future generations.” Shelley said.
“We are proud to be OzHarvest’s First and Major National Food Service Donor and
to have OzHarvest CEO Ronni Kahn share her passion for food conservation with
our people. Wherever possible, any food that is surplus will be offered to
OzHarvest.
“Compass also supports OzHarvest events including the CEO Cook-off, community
fund raising and selling OzHarvest merchandise at participating Compass retail
venues. Our Chefs enjoy the opportunity to visit the OzHarvest kitchens to learn
more about conserving food and how they can ensure any surplus food from
Compass Group sites is donated to OzHarvest so that it can be redistributed to
Australians in need”, Shelley said.
OzHarvest Founder and CEO, Ronni Kahn said fighting food waste is a big job and
requires collective action, working with national organisations like Compass is key to
influencing change.
“We are proud Compass Group has come on board as a national food service donor,
sharing our vision for a world with zero waste and free of hunger. In addition to
donating surplus food, Compass has committed to providing funding that will help us
provide 200,000 meals per year,” Ronni Kahn said.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact
Kathy Scott
0437419475