WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - To assist with the ongoing challenge of safely storing, transporting, and distributing food, Raley’s is introducing a new Food for Families grant program for its partner food banks and supporting networks. Starting at a minimum of $5,000 each, the grants will reflect a wide range of funding depending on the demonstrated need of the requesting food bank. The new Food for Families Grant program is made possible by Raley’s and donations from throughout the community. Donations are being gratefully accepted now at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation site to support this important initiative that represents an expansion of the long-time Food for Families effort. 

Raley’s Food for Families converts customer and team members' donations into food for more than 2.2 million people each month through 12 partner food banks in the communities where Raley’s serves.

“For years, Raley’s customers have provided unwavering support with their generous donations to our Food for Families program. Through experience with our ongoing programs, we recognized the need to further support the crucial food distribution needs within our existing food bank family,” said Chelsea Carbahal, Executive Director, Raley’s Food For Families. “This new Food for Families grant program will enable our current partners to more effectively and efficiently serve their communities by equipping them with resources that otherwise may have been out of reach financially.”

Grant funds will help support food bank necessities, such as refrigerators, freezers, warehouse racking, transportation crates, shipping vehicles, and other infrastructure items required to safely provide food to communities. Grant applications are accepted now through February 7, 2025, with application forms provided directly to and through Raley’s Food for Families food bank partners to their partner agencies.

“Our goal at Raley’s is to help get food in the hands of as many people in need as possible,” said Carbahal. “We know the food that we and our food bank partners provide is only helpful if there is a means to safely store and distribute it. This new Food for Families grant funding effort is all about growing the positive impact in our communities and helping provide the physical means to do so.”

Raley’s anticipates awarding up to $500,000 in grant funding in the first year of the new program. Grant funding will be made available in two waves, including this current grant application phase and another scheduled for later in the year. The Food for Families grant program is available to Raley’s Food for Families food bank partners and their expansive network of more than 2,400 partner agencies, such as smaller food banks, food closets, and church distribution sites.

Growing from a single store opening in 1935, The Raley’s Companies now includes brick and mortar locations under Raley’s and Bashas’ family of brands, including: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill, Raley’s ONE Market, Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, and Bashas’ Diné Markets. In addition to the special hurricane relief efforts, The Raley’s Companies are deeply committed to giving back by addressing local hunger needs, advocating for good, and focusing on child welfare, the environment and sustainability, food access, food system education, and total wellness, a press release shared. Between 2022 and 2023, the organization donated more than $3 million to local and regional non-profits. For more information about Raley’s commitment to give back and their non-profit, please visit Raley’s Food for Families.

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MILLEN, GA - The Southeast Produce Council is excited to embark on the third year of the SEPC Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA), and they are now accepting applications for the 2026 Class.

This year-long professional development program is truly unique and is designed for up-and-coming leaders in the produce industry. The program provides participants with a unique approach to conscious leadership ideals and methodologies. Participants will develop and galvanize leadership skills to better navigate industry challenges with a growth mindset. The Academy features quarterly modules that will include virtually guided events and up to two in-person programming events. The program equips and prepares participants for future leadership responsibilities with content relevant to their leadership challenges.

“We created this program for the future leaders of our industry to cultivate consciousness and courageous leaders. It is where passion meets purpose—these leaders will shape the produce industry through innovation, integrity, and heart. It was a unique, customized program and greatness grows out of this program. Class 3 nominations are now open, so encourage your future leaders to apply," shared SEPC Past Chairman Raina Nelson of Westfalia Fruit USA.

“The NGLA Program not only provided a great opportunity to network with other great industry leaders but also dive deeper into understanding yourself along with other personality types. The SEPC continues to set itself apart from other organizations with these programs which encourage self-growth, offer a promising future for the produce industry, and foster lifelong connections (friendships) that prove invaluable as we all navigate this ever-changing environment that we know and love," shared Matt Zapczynski, NGLA Class 1 and Retail Promotion Director Idaho Potato Commission.

“The NGLA empowers fresh produce industry leaders to create a lasting positive impact on themselves and [their] teams within the ever-evolving landscape in the produce supply chain. I was able to connect with other emerging leaders to collaborate on opportunities and solutions impacting our industry for years to come. To drive actual change while continuing my leadership journey has been invaluable," remarked Leah Patterson, NGLA Class 1 and Produce Sales Manager, UNFI.

If you or your organization has a potential candidate for the Next Generation Leadership Academy, applications are now open and will close on February 7 by 5 pm EST.

Applicants should have organizational-level support to participate. The incoming class will be announced during the Keynote Brunch at Southern Exposure 2025 and will graduate at Southern Exposure 2026, according to a press release.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

• Emerging leader in produce, mid-level manager or above
• Employed in the produce industry for at least 4 years
• Member in “Good Standing” of the SEPC*
• Must possess a vision for leadership, a strong drive to carry it out, and strong communications skills to convey why they believe they would be a good candidate for the program by submitting a short video for selection process

Please contact the Southeast Produce Council at [email protected] or (877)720-SEPC if you have any questions.

*To be in “Good Standing”, a member must actively participate in the SEPC by their attendance, contributions, or both and must be included in SEPC’s membership roll.

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SAN JOSE, CA - As the new year begins, ZAG Technical Services (ZAG) encourages businesses to prioritize IT and cybersecurity to ensure smooth and secure operations.

For many small and mid-sized businesses, the importance of IT in daily operations often becomes apparent only when issues arise. Tangible needs like equipment upgrades or facility improvements frequently take precedence because their impact is more immediately visible. However, a strategic IT plan delivers significant long-term benefits, including reduced costs, time savings, and minimized disruptions.

With an ever-changing threat landscape and growing sophistication in attacks, a thorough evaluation of IT systems, organizational preparedness, and recovery capabilities are more important than ever. Quick fixes, such as online scans or relying solely on cyber insurance, may not address the full scope of risk. Over time, even small gaps can evolve into major challenges if left unaddressed, a press release stated.

“Unaware employees are often the starting point for vulnerabilities,” said Thuan Ngo, Chief Operating Officer at ZAG. “Whether it’s clicking on phishing emails, reusing weak passwords, or unintentionally approving fraudulent transactions, small missteps can lead to significant issues. Educating staff is a simple yet effective way to enhance company-wide protection as organizations grow and evolve.”

To help businesses start the conversation about IT and cybersecurity, ZAG offers cybersecurity assessments designed to identify risks and opportunities. For smaller businesses, these assessments provide an affordable, practical first step toward building a stronger IT foundation. In addition to assessments, ZAG delivers managed support services tailored to businesses of all sizes, enabling internal teams to focus on core operations while cybersecurity experts handle risk mitigation and system management.

Proactive IT planning does more than safeguard systems—it protects teams, operations, and financial performance. Businesses that take manageable steps to address vulnerabilities today will be better positioned for long-term success. With a clear understanding of current risks, organizations can confidently make decisions that support future growth.

AndNowUKnow will continue to cover the latest in all things related to the advancement of the fresh produce industry.