Food waste is a global challenge, but it’s one we can solve together. That’s why Compass Group and our businesses around the world lead Stop Food Waste Day, an annual day of action in the fight against food waste. A Compass Group initiative started in 2017, it’s now recognised worldwide as a call to action to educate, inspire and drive change for a more sustainable future.
By channelling our passion for food, championing responsible sourcing and reducing food waste at scale, our goal is to drive global change and enrich lives. Through culinary innovation, collaboration and partnership, we are committed to reaching climate net zero across our global businesses by 2050. And this is our Planet Promise.
With a third of all food produced globally wasted every year, we are clear about the collective role we must play in helping to drive permanent change across our industry. We’re making good use of technology to understand our food waste footprint and are working in partnership to halve it by 2030. The work we do each and every day is how we turn our goals into reality. To mark this important day, we asked some of our leaders to share how their teams are taking action against food waste, and how smart decisions are helping us serve a better future for people, communities and our planet.
What will it take for Australia to make food waste a priority?
To truly prioritise food waste, we need to focus on what matters to people—like their well-earned money. Reducing food waste at home can save the average household around $2,500 a year. Doing the maths, that’s roughly 500 coffees from your local cafe! Stop Food Waste Day helps show Australians how small changes at home, like meal planning, proper storage and getting creative with leftovers, can have a big impact not only for our planet but for our families and loved ones.
How do you see technology playing a role in reducing food waste at home and in businesses?
At Compass Group Australia, we're harnessing the power of technology to reduce food waste and drive smarter decision-making. Leanpath, our waste tracking tool, helps us spot and cut waste as it happens, while our menu management platform Jaleh uses real feedback and data to plan smarter, so we only make what’s needed. Whether at home or in business, simple tech tools and waste-tracking apps can help you reduce and rethink food waste to create a more sustainable future.
Can you share an example of a successful food waste reduction initiative you’ve come across?
Reducing food waste doesn’t have to be complicated—it starts with being a little more mindful and a bit more creative. That’s exactly what our Offshore & Remote teams are doing every day. They use simple tools like photographic checklists to keep track of what’s being served and spot waste early. And with our ‘Chef’s Specials’ concept, they turn leftover ingredients into tasty daily dishes. It’s a great reminder that with the right mindset, cutting food waste can be practical, and tasty too!
What change have you made personally to be more mindful?
Inspired by our incredible Defence Chefs, who make repurposing a priority, I’ve started experimenting in the kitchen by transforming leftovers into new dishes. One of my favourite discoveries is using the liquid from canned chickpeas, known as aquafaba, to make vegan mayonnaise. It’s not only delicious, but a great example of using every part of an ingredient. With a bit of imagination, leftovers can become the hero of your next meal.
Share a story about a food waste hero who inspires you.
Over the past year, our Education teams have donated 442kg of food that would have otherwise gone to waste—that’s the equivalent of 779 meals. Through this initiative, I’ve had the privilege of working with organisations that distribute this food to people in need. These organisations, like our partner Foodbank, are my food waste heroes. They play a vital role in nourishing those who might otherwise go without a meal.
Want to learn more about how our teams stop food waste? Click here
