Compass Group 'Spices It Up' for National Nutrition Month(R)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- For a fifth consecutive year, Compass Group is aligning with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) to celebrate National Nutrition Month® (NNM). NNM is an annual, national ADA nutrition education and information campaign that takes place each March. The ADA theme for 2010 is "Nutrition From the Ground Up".  

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This year, Compass Group is excited to participate with the introduction of its own theme, EAT.LEARN.LIVE Deliciously - Savor the Flavor of Herbs & Spices which was developed by a team of dietitians and chefs.

"Herbs and spices add flavor to cooking without adding salt, excess fat and artificial chemical additives," explains Deanne Brandstetter, VP Nutrition & Wellness for Compass Group.  "Not only are herbs and spices flavorful and easy to use, scientists are also exploring their therapeutic use in cooking. This promotion will educate our clients, customers and associates about this hot trend."

Herbs and spices are also considered to be 'superfoods'. Their strong flavors come from essential oils that are the plant's first line of defense against predators. Spices can be obtained from seeds, fruits, roots, bark or some other vegetative substance. Herbs usually come from the leafy part of a plant, and are used fresh or dried.

"Dietitians have the reputation of always saying don't eat this or don't eat that.  With herbs and spices, we can say 'eat more!' not less," says Martha Kennedy, director of Nutrition and Wellness and NNM Committee cross-sector chair. "Herbs and spices support an increase in variety of food intake and thus, nutrient density."

Vendor partner McCormick & Company, Inc. donated 720 spice kits to Compass Group accounts to help facilitate the promotion of 'Super 7 Spices for Health' to customers. The 7 spices - cinnamon, curry, ginger, oregano, paprika (red peppers), rosemary and thyme - will be incorporated into Compass Group menus this month.

"We use fresh herbs for enhancing the flavor and appearance of all Flavor 450 recipes; they help reduce the need for added salt and fat, and offer fresh lively flavors along with vital nutrients," says Chef Cary Neff, VP Corporate Culinary Services for Morrison Management Specialists. "Add a cinnamon stick to simmering tomato sauce to create a surprising sweet undertone.  A pinch of curry goes a long way when added to broth for steaming vegetables."

In conjunction with NNM, the third annual Registered Dietitian Day will take place on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. This day recognizes registered dietitians for their knowledge of food and nutrition and their commitment to helping people live healthful lives. Compass Group employs approximately 1,200 registered dietitians.

About Compass Group North America

Based in Charlotte NC, Compass Group North America is the leading foodservice and support services company with $9.2 billion in revenues in 2009. With 386,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of 13.4 billion pounds Sterling in the year to September 30, 2009.  

SOURCE Compass Group

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