Compass Group Diversity Matters Podcasts

Lillie’s of Charleston Celebrates National Distribution

Sisters Tracey and Kellye started the Black-owned, women-owned Lillie’s of Charleston 20 years ago. Today, they celebrate national distribution thanks to the Compass partnership and Foodbuy Supplier Diversity Accelerator Program. Lillie’s of Charleston artfully weaves the magic of spice & fire to create flavorful blends and BBQ sauces. The award-winning recipes were passed down from their dad who spent summers cooking and laughing with Aunt Lillie. They named the company in her memory, knowing no matter who came to visit, they never left her house feeling unwanted, unloved or hungry. In this episode, meet the family and share in their exciting journey of growth.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers: Making Farm Work Safer and More Fair

At Compass Group and Foodbuy, we understand farmworkers are at the heart of our food supply chain and Farmworker Awareness Week, March 26 – April 2, is a great time to tell our story. Over the last decade we have partnered with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and their Fair Food Program to promote safe and fair working conditions.  Compass employees and clients should be proud to know that this will continue to be an important piece of our on-going mission as a company, including partnering with those in the supply chain who share our vision. In this episode, you will learn about the struggles and the progress, and see how every one of you listening is part of this remarkable journey of human rights. Visit fairfoodprogram.org to learn more about the Fair Food Program and how you can get involved.

Matriark Foods: Woman-Owned Company Plans to Make World-Changing Impact

Introducing Anna Hammond, CEO and founder of Matriark Foods, a Compass partner who offers a sourcing solution with measurable impact, flavor and creativity while also meeting diverse supplier goals.  Her business pays farmers for their surplus produce and converts it into nutritious, shelf-stable product to increase access to healthier food while mitigating an environmental crisis. Matriark launched with a vegetable concentrate that Anna calls the “swiss army knife of ingredients” – a product and a partnership that could divert 10 million pounds of produce from landfills every year!

 

*Distribution is growing daily. Special Order Requests can be submitted through BuySmart with this note: Matriark is WOMB & a part of the accelerator program.

BLK & Bold: The first-ever black-owned, nationally distributed coffee and tea company

In the premiere episode of Diversity Matters, we connect through conversation to the trailblazers of BLK & Bold, Rod Johnson & Pernell Cezar, who use a local-at-scale business model to make the first black-owned nationally distributed coffee and tea company a success.  By supporting diverse business, we also support our communities.  BLK & Bold donates a portion of all proceeds to at-risk youth programs. From Ben & Jerry’s to the NBA, and now one of Compass Group’s fastest growing diversity partners, once you hear their story you, too, will want to be part of this exciting journey!