Compass Group Creates Equity Throughout

COMPASS GROUP CREATES EQUITY THROUGHOUT ITS SUPPLY CHAIN

Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) make up just 5% of all farmers in the United States. The lack of diversity in farming has created lasting repercussions on the food system and communities of color. Compass Group is taking a leadership role in supporting BIPOC farmers by using our purchasing power to ensure they are successful.

Compass Group and Foodbuy heard directly from local BIPOC farmers that they needed support in keeping their farms profitable during a meeting facilitated by The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a partnership between North Carolina State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

With our numerous operations throughout North Carolina, Compass Group and Foodbuy developed a pilot program with the help of produce supplier FreshPoint, where our chefs integrate the produce grown by the state’s BIPOC farmers into their menus during the spring and summer of 2021.

From June to October, Compass Group chefs purchased squash, zucchini, and cucumbers produced by Donald Hines, and unique heirloom varieties tomatoes, sweet potatoes, berries, and okra from Millard and Connie Locklear.

Hines Family Farms began with Donald Hines’ greatgrandfather more than 100 years ago. He and his wife bought 624 acres of woodland and with the help of their 13 children, they transformed it to what is known today as Hinestown. Donald Hines grew up tending to livestock, planting, harvesting and shelling beans on his grandmother’s porch.

Donald now combines modern and traditional techniques to continue his family’s rich farming history. After a 33year career in law enforcement and as an FBI Special Agent, he prepared to return to the farm by attending seminars at North Carolina State, North Carolina A&T and Tuskegee University. He volunteered on large-scale farms to learn about crop production and crop science. Millard and Connie Locklear have deep roots connecting them with their farmland in Pembroke, NC. They are the fifth generation of Locklears to farm the land and maintain the cultural traditions of the Lumbee Tribe. Preserving the past and embracing the future are tenants Millard and Connie live by. They continue to use seeds from their ancestors by collecting seeds from the mature crop every year. They plant heirloom seed varieties and are transitioning the farm to be certified organic.

“It is absolutely imperative that we do everything we can to support local farmers on every level. We are in a position of responsibility to share our strengths in promoting the livelihood of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in the farming industry, which in itself is a very challenging endeavor. This collaboration is wonderful,” says Eurest Executive Chef Philip Lloyd.

We are encouraged by the success of this pilot. Compass Group chefs continue to innovate and create new recipes to incorporate more and more products as the seasons--and ingredients--change. In order to keep farmers of color on their land and help new BIPOC farmers become successful, the food they grow must be profitable.

It is amazing what can be accomplished when you combine local farmers, suppliers, organizations, clients and delicious food. This is just the beginning!

" MY GRANDFATHER USED TO SAY THAT ONCE IN YOUR LIFE YOU NEED A DOCTOR, A LAWYER, A POLICEMAN, AND A PREACHER. BUT EVERY DAY, THREE TIMES A DAY, YOU NEED A FARMER. "

~ Brenda Schoepp, Farmer & Author

Reducing FOOD WASTE

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY