Compass Group introduces new Farmshelf indoor farms at its foodservice locations nationwide. Through a new strategic partnership with Farmshelf, Compass Group will soon grow more produce on site that will be served to guests in higher education, K12 schools, businesses, healthcare facilities and event venues. At Compass Group locations, the implementation of Farmshelf's bookcase-sized smart indoor farms have the potential to annually reduce up to 15,000 pounds of food waste, save 600,000 gallons of water and eliminate single-use packaging traditionally used in food transport.

Each Farmshelf has the ability to produce hundreds of pounds of leafy-greens and herbs annually, growing two-to-three times faster and using 90% less water than traditional farming. Chefs at each location are able to pick from more than 30 foods to grow, including kale and arugula as well as flavorful herbs such as chives and the increasingly popular za'atar. Recommended rotation schedules keep produce and herbs growing and harvesting at all times.

The farms also use smart technology that allow Compass Group chefs and foodservice operations teams to monitor crops via internal growing cameras. Compass Group plans to bring guests in on the indoor farming experience inviting them to touch, feel, see and participate in the growing process. As an example, higher education students studying agriculture or sustainability are invited to apply for internships to be campus farmers, learning about hydroponics and operating the farms. School children are also able to watch their food grow from seed to harvest, infusing hands-on learning into both their cafeterias and curriculums.