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“It Takes You –Eat Local” Produce Campaign Raised Awareness and Sales
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 12, 2009) – Customers of Compass Group North America enjoyed the flavors of the seasonal harvest as thousands of its locations across the country implemented the company-wide ‘It Takes You –Eat Local’ campaign the week of September 21, 2009. Throughout the week, cafes around the country featured locally grown produce, conducted on-site farmers markets, sponsored farm tours and promoted selections that featured local ingredients in an effort to provide visibility to the many benefits of buying locally.
How successful was it? Local produce purchases tallied nearly $3 million - $2,926,708 to be exact.
Selected participating accounts included SAP, Chevron, Hyatt Center, Comcast, Microsoft and Anadarko from Eurest Dining Services; Presbyterian Hospital, Medical Center Hospital, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Heart Of Florida Regional Medical Center from Morrison Management Specialists, Spartanburg School District, District of Columbia Public Schools, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools from Chartwells K-12; Wentworth Institute of Technology , Trinity College, University at Albany, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, Saint Louis University , Indiana University Purdue University of Indiana (IUPUI), UNC Charlotte, University of Arkansas, University of New Mexico, Austin Peay State University from Chartwells Higher Ed; University Place Conference Center & Hotel (IUPUI) from FLIK and Virginia State University, managed by Thompson Hospitality.
At some locations, farmers markets have now become a mainstay and are featured regularly. In select markets, the local theme was expanded beyond produce to include meat and other proteins such as free range chicken.
At a Polaris event in Minnesota, one mid-sized local farm, Untied Farms in Waverly, MN, provided over 3,000 ears of fresh corn, while another area farmer supplied a roasted pig supporting Compass Group’s Ag in the Middle and Eat Local campaigns.
As part of their commitment to sustainable agriculture and wellness, Compass has been supporting ‘buy local’ – defined as food grown within a 150 mile radius – initiatives for over ten years. Purchasing is done through approved produce distributors to ensure food safety and traceability.
In tandem with the promotion was Compass’ AG in the Middle program – a plan to develop partnerships with 2,013 American family farms by 2013. It brings the produce of mid-sized farms faster, and more efficiently, into its supply chain through their network of distributors across the country.
Morrison’s Jean Montefiore, Sandy Diaz, Tina Manner, Matt Jarrett, and, Martha Howes at Franklin Square Hospital Center, working with their distributor Hearn Kirkwood had a successful ‘Buy Local’ week. Highlighting local produce from several mid-sized New Jersey farms (within 150 miles of the hospital and part of the Mid-Atlantic region of farms), the café featured blueberries from William Consola & Sons Farms, zucchini from J&E Petronglo, yellow squash from Russel Leone, green peppers from Catalana Farms, peaches from Fralinger Orchard and Colora Orchard, and apples from Colora Orchard and Rinehart Orchard. The local foods were served in chopped salads, side dishes, main entrees and as whole fruit in the cafeteria menu.
Schools in Spartanburg, SC, operated by both Chartwells and Flik Independent Schools, featured at least one locally grown produce item on their menu, including apples from Blue Haven Orchards in Long Creek and sweet potatoes from Nash Sweet Potatoes in Hendersonville, N.C. One of the schools - District 6 - was also presented with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Best Practice Award, recognizing the district's efforts to buy local.
Clients, customers and parents responded very favorably to the promotion.
“Wow - I just learned you are sourcing some school food locally. As a parent and local food advocate, I applaud this initiative. You may also be interested to know your efforts are being talked about on a 500 member Yahoo Group, EatLocalSWMich. THANK YOU” – Donna McClurkan, Kalamazoo Public Schools
“In combination with programs such as Flavors 450, the Eat Local campaign is icing on the cake! Another great benefit for our patients, employees, and visitors.” – Larry Elmore, vice president of operations, Presbyterian Hospital, a Morrison account
Lisa McEuen, senior vice president, Strategic Marketing and Business Excellence for Compass Group explained, "Our Eat Local campaign was a great opportunity for us to illustrate our support of the communities in which we live and work, as well as provide nutritious and sustainable food to our customers. These types of initiatives enable us to help create positive changes in the lives of these local farmers and families, as well as our customers".
Compass Group’s hope is that by supporting small and mid-size farms today with initiatives such as ‘Eat Local’, farmers will continue to thrive in local communities tomorrow.
About Compass Group
Based in Charlotte NC, Compass Group North America is the leading foodservice and support services company with $9 billion in revenues in 2008. With 388,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of ₤11 billion in the year to September 30, 2008. Contact: Sarah Hada, Compass Group North America, 704-328-1365, sarah.hada@compass-usa.com.
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