BETHESDA, MD - In order to better give back to United States veterans, Sodexo announced a partnership with Chef Andre Rush. The former White House chef, award-winning Olympic chef, and U.S. veteran, will bring his culinary expertise to innovate and elevate menus across Sodexo’s government services.

“It’s a privilege to partner with Chef Andre Rush, a truly iconic chef blending culinary excellence with experience in military service. Chef Rush's dedication extends beyond meeting physical needs; he holds a profound passion for mental health and well-being, which is especially crucial for those in service,” said Brett Ladd, Chief Executive Officer, Government, Sodexo U.S. “The partnership between Sodexo and Chef Rush exemplifies a shared goal of making a meaningful impact.”

According to a press release, Chef Rush is a devout advocate for veterans’ well-being.

This led to the launch of his nonprofit, 2222 Inc., which works in tandem with his various culinary ventures.

“One of my primary goals—and something that’s been evident in both my journey in the military and as a chef—is making a meaningful impact,” said Chef Andre Rush. “Sodexo proudly serves servicewomen and men across the U.S. as the largest federal foodservice contractor. I’m thrilled to lend my expertise to Sodexo, ultimately touching lives—and notably those serving our country—from coast to coast.”

Currently, Sodexo serves 160 military and U.S. Federal Government locations in 28 states.

We’ll continue to keep an eye on the foodservice sector, so stay tuned to us here at ANUK.

WENATCHEE, WA - What do students have to look forward to this back-to-school season? Stemilt, Yes! Apples, and Applewood Fresh are giving kids something to “rave” about with the timely harvest of some delicious and appropriately named Rave® apples. The three grower-shippers have merchandising tips to share with retailers for the upcoming season, sure to build velocity for apple sales from late August into September.

“Our goal is to help parents and their children Rave their way back to school with the outrageously juicy, and refreshing snappy zing of Rave apples,” says Brianna Shales, Marketing Director for Stemilt. “Having quality apples from Stemilt, Yes! Apples, and Applewood Fresh on display for school lunches will help set the stage for a great kick-off to the apple and school season!”

Merchandising suggestions include adding Rave apples to back-to-school promotions, and placing school lunches or healthy kid-friendly snacks near Rave apples. Stemilt can also support in-store activations, including demos and displays with school-themed signage.

“Rave is the only apple that is freshly harvested during the back-to-school timeframe, so you can bring it into the promotion mix to kick off the apple season strong,” continued Shales. “With bright, fun packaging available for use this year, retailers can decorate their Rave displays with captivating boxes, display bins, POS signage, tote bags, or carry it in convenient pouch bags.”

Stemilt, Yes! Apples, and Applewood Fresh will have a similar-sized crop as last year, and mild growing conditions will be favorable to bring out Rave’s flavor, a release stated.

“We will be encouraging consumers to grab Rave as their go-to back-to-routine snack, whether returning to the classroom or the office,” says Tenley Fitzgerald from Yes! Apples. “This year, we will use billboards, paid social, content creator partnerships, and sampling to spread the word and flavor on Rave! With its zippy flavor and an attitude to match, Rave is a great way to launch us into apple season!”

Rave apples could soon be all the rage online as Stemilt taps into influencer programs, further capitalizing on the back-top-school timing, along with billboards in select markets.

“Rave signifies the start of our Michigan apple harvest in early August, and we plan for a similar crop to last year with this variety,” says Shelby Miller, Marketing and Sales Specialist, Applewood Fresh. “Our focus this season lies heavily on giving consumers an eating experience to ‘rave’ about with the help of in-store demos, sampling events, and coupon promotional support.”

Back-to-school time is looking better than ever! Check back with ANUK as we continue to report on seasonal events.