SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion Feeds and its generous customers have helped provide the equivalent of more than 29 million meals to increase families’ access to nutritious food this holiday season. This amount sets a record, quadrupling the highest Holidays Without Hunger meal count in 2021 which was equal to more than 6.6 million meals. The initiative benefits Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. It also benefits 33 local Feeding America partner food banks and hundreds of partner agencies throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area. Since it began in 2014, the Food Lion Feeds Holidays Without Hunger campaign has helped provide the equivalent of more than 73 million meals. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

“We are continuously grateful for the generosity of our customers who come together—at a time when they are setting their own tables for the holiday season—to make sure their neighbors also have access to nutritious food,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. “We are committed to addressing food insecurity and believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries.”

During the Holidays Without Hunger campaign, which spanned from Nov. 6 – Dec. 10, customers could purchase specially marked, prepacked Holidays Without Hunger food boxes for $6. Each Food Lion store donated the purchased boxes directly to local Feeding America partner food banks or partner feeding agencies in the store’s community.

Customers also used the digital keypad at checkout to donate a specific dollar amount or round up their purchases. Feeding America and its partner food banks received 100 percent of all cash donations.

“Food Lion’s commitment to addressing food insecurity through initiatives like the Holidays Without Hunger campaign is emblematic of the power of community and partnership,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, Chief Executive Officer, Feeding America. “Together with Food Lion and their generous customers, we are helping support families this holiday season. We are deeply grateful for the care and dedication Food Lion shows to their neighbors, helping to ensure everyone can share in the joy and comfort of a full holiday table.”

Through Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion has helped provide the equivalent of more than 1.2 billion meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donating the equivalent of 1.5 billion meals by the end of 2025, a press release stated. For more information on Food Lion Feeds’ commitment to fighting hunger, visit www.foodlion.com/feeds.

Cheers to this generous holiday initiative!

SALINAS, CA - Measure to Improve (MTI), the fresh produce industry’s go-to sustainability experts, is proud to announce two new members to its team: Alexandra Colfer as Communications and Business Development Director and Kubir Sandhu as Sustainability Program Technician. These strategic hires will enhance MTI’s capacity to support the fresh produce industry and advance sustainable agricultural practices.

Alexandra Colfer brings a unique blend of agricultural sustainability expertise, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement experience. Colfer's deep-rooted connection to land and water stewardship stems from her family's dedication to environmental conservation. She holds a B.A. in English Literature and an M.S. in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

"We always tell our clients to communicate their successes, and we need to do the same," said Nikki Cossio, CEO and Founder of MTI. "Alexandra's technical and creative communications knowledge will not only help MTI communicate its own success but also improve client communications and experiences."

According to the press release, Colfer looks forward to expanding MTI's reach during this transformative period.

“Agriculture is evolving, and sustainability is essential to business success and human health,” said Colfer. “MTI has the tools and expertise to guide businesses through this important transition, and I look forward to advancing and implementing practical solutions that create lasting value.”

Further strengthening MTI's technical capabilities, Kubir Sandhu joins as a Sustainability Program Technician. With an M.S. in Agronomy from Chico State, Sandhu combines his strong data analysis capabilities with extensive field experience in perennial crops, including walnuts, almonds, and olives.

"Joining MTI is an opportunity to apply my hands-on agricultural experience with cutting-edge sustainability practices,” said Sandhu. “I'm excited to help clients implement practical, science-based methodologies and solutions centered around growers and triple-bottom-line principles.”

"Kubir's research and analytical-driven insights and hands-on in-the-field experience are unique skills that make him a wonderful and valuable addition to our team," noted Cossio.

These strategic appointments reflect MTI’s commitment to collaboration and empowering the industry to proactively navigate evolving market expectations, increasing regulatory requirements, and the growing pressures of climate change.

For more news on the industry, continue to read ANUK daily!

ORLANDO, FL - Fresh Express®, the brand leader in value-added salads, is launching its 2025 wellness initiative: the #FreshStartChallenge. The campaign aims to empower consumers to embrace the new year with intention and energy. The 2025 #FreshStartChallenge will inspire participants to focus on holistic well-being through a series of themed weekly challenges designed to help them prioritize their health and lifestyle goals, including Nutrition Boost, Fitness Focus, Mindful Moments, Connection, and Self-Care. The program offers an engaging way for consumers to jumpstart their resolutions while connecting with the Fresh Express community on social media.

“The Fresh Start Challenge campaign offers easy, actionable tips to be healthier and start the new year feeling refreshed and ready to meet your goals,” said Robin Bell, Marketing Manager. “By committing to the daily Fresh Start Challenges, such as incorporating more greens into your meals or sharing a photo of your post-workout salad, making healthier choices is less overwhelming and a lot more fun.”

To build excitement, Fresh Express is offering early access to the program December 16–31, 2024, giving participants a chance to download the weekly challenges and win prizes. The official challenge runs January 6–February 5, 2025, with weekly giveaways including Fresh Express products and swag, gift cards, and a Fresh Express Fitness Tips book. Grand prize winners will receive a wellness-themed prize package featuring a walking pad, meditation app subscription, pickleball set, gift cards, swag, and more. The program blends practicality with motivation, offering tools, resources, and rewards to help participants create their healthiest, happiest year yet, a press release added.

Fresh Express offers more than 100 varieties of innovative salads to support consumers as they work toward meeting or maintaining their wellness goals, ranging from fresh, leafy greens to premium, chef-crafted chopped salad kits like the Asian Apple Salad Kit and Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit. Its latest innovation, Hot or Cold Salad and Noodle Meal Kits, can be eaten hot or cold and prepared in under five minutes and is available in delicious Asian-inspired flavors such as Korean Sesame and Asian Sweet Ginger.

With over 380 recipes available on Freshexpress.com, including a fruit-filled Citrus Spring Mix Salad, an Italian Crusted Salmon with Twisted Creamy Truffle Caesar, and Grilled Zucchini Nachos, consumers can easily find delicious, nutritious, and convenient mealtime inspiration for any occasion.

The Fresh Start Challenge campaign runs January 6–February 5, 2025 and will be further supported by digital advertising, in-store signage, couponing, and social content from influencers and experts. Consumers who sign up for the challenge by December 31, 2024 will receive early access to the Fresh Start Challenge checklist and Fresh Express coupons (while supplies last).

For more news in the world of fresh, keep reading AndNowUKnow.