MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 19, 2014 /CNW/ - Compass Group Canada announced a $100,000 donation to Food Banks Canada today, as part of Compass' Nourish program. The funds will be used to help individuals across Canada who experience food insecurity by providing more fresh, nutritious meals, educational programs that focus on healthy eating and food preparation.
"Compass has always rallied together to support various charities, but tackling food insecurity in our local communities is an issue that our associates overwhelming support, " said Saajid Khan, CEO of Compass Group Canada & ESS North America. "Our Nourish program is designed to give Canadians-in-need a hand up versus a handout and will help change the story of food insecurity across Canada."
Launched in October 2014, Nourish, is a Compass Group Canada program under its BALANCE platform. In partnership with Food Banks Canada, the program will increase access to more fresh, nourishing food to food bank clients through a multi-channel approach while delivering educational programming to ensure high levels of participation in new food adoption, skill development and healthy lifestyles.
"We are very grateful to Compass Group Canada, who along with their employees are making a significant commitment to address hunger in Canada," said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada. "With this investment, we will be able to support the development of innovative programs for food banks with the focus on increasing fresh foods.
The level of food insecurity has increased across Canada and food bank usage has risen by 25% since 2008. With 1 in 8 Canadian households currently facing food insecurity, Compass' $100,000 donation will help ensure that all Canadians, regardless of income, can obtain more nutritious food.
About Compass Group Canada
Compass Group Canada became a market leader in contract foodservice and facilities management through a simple recipe: great people, great service and great results. This easy-to-follow recipe serves millions across the nation, from serving delicious, nutritious meals at school cafeterias, corporate cafes, hospitals and remote camps to routine cleaning and maintenance services at your workplace and airports. Chances are good that if you're hungry and away from home, you've tasted Compass Group's award-winning food and experienced our exceptional support services. For more information visit www.compass-canada.com
About BALANCE
BALANCE is Compass Group Canada's sustainability and wellness platform. It links four distinct yet interconnected areas of focus: Wellness, Environment, Supply Chain and Community. BALANCE challenges associates, clients, customers and suppliers to personally engage in the journey to a healthier state of being, healthier communities and a healthier planet.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada supports a unique network of food-related organizations in every province and territory, which assists more than 850,000 Canadians each month. Together our network shares over 200 million pounds of essential, safe, quality food annually, provides social programs that help to foster self-sufficiency, and advocates for policy change that will help create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca for more information.
Image with caption: "Ian Bullock and Brenda Brown from Compass Group Canada present $100,000 cheque to Tania Little (center) from Food Banks Canada as part of Compass’ Nourish program (CNW Group/Compass Group Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141219_C5249_PHOTO_EN_9731.jpg
Image with caption: "Nourish program (CNW Group/Compass Group Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141219_C5249_PHOTO_EN_9732.jpg
SOURCE: Compass Group Canada
Saira Husain, Manager, Corporate Communications, (905) 568-4636 x432, [email protected]
Share this article