RIO RICO, AZ - For 70 years, Malena Produce has stood for commitment to its partners and dedication to the fruits and vegetables it grows. Reflecting on this legacy of integrity, the company looks down the road at what’s next for its operations.

“As I look back on the transformation of Malena Produce and its team of people, I realize that I was very privileged to have been and still remain an integral part of their growth and future planning for the company,” commented Jim Cathey, current consultant to Malena Produce. “The dedication and the respect of the family legacy became a puzzle so professionally put together that we’ve become the leader in produce marketing and quality by all industry standards. When you think of Malena, expect the best, because that's the only way we know how to operate in this business. Happy anniversary to everyone involved!”

As Malena Produce celebrates this milestone, it also shares an important update regarding upcoming projects, all of which couch under the umbrella of the company’s message: “It’s Always Malena Season.”

These new projects include new value-added consumer packs, which aim to improve customer experience; expand its product portfolio with additional varieties; and increase its capacity with new grower partnerships and better infrastructure.

The company had one last parting message for the industry as it looks back at this 70t^h anniversary.

“We at Malena Produce remain committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, innovation, and service excellence,” the company said. “We recognize the support of our partners and honor the relationships built upon the past seven decades. We are confident that the next 70 years will be even more remarkable. Here’s to many more seasons of fresh produce and fruitful collaborations!”

Congratulations to Malena Produce on this accomplishment!

BOISE, IDAHO & SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Two powerful forces are joining together to combat food insecurity in various markets. Albertsons Companies has tapped the might of Uber Technologies to roll out an ambitious food rescue initiative.

“At Albertsons Cos., we are committed to making a real difference in the communities we serve and the planet we share,” said Suzanne Long, Albertsons Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer. “We are thrilled to partner with Uber to streamline the delivery of excess food to our partner food recovery organizations, ensuring that the food donated from our stores gets to those who need it most. Together, we can reduce food waste and feed our neighbors in need.”

As part of the 2024 White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, the impactful program was piloted last year in the Washington, DC, area.

The program optimizes Uber’s white-label delivery solution, Uber Direct, to establish a reliable delivery program and donate surplus food from Albertsons stores to local food banks and non-profit organizations, a press release explained. Since its inception, the program has now expanded to the Boston, Chicago, and Denver markets.

“After a successful pilot in the Washington, DC region, we’re thrilled to continue to use our technology to improve the lives of community members in Boston, Chicago, and Denver,” said Julia Paige, Head of Global Social Impact at Uber. “No individual or family should ever have to experience hunger, and we’re proud to work with partners like Albertsons Cos. to help provide access to nutritious foods.”

In Boston, the food rescue program has expanded to select Star Market stores. Jewel-Osco stores in Chicago have also gained access to the program, along with Safeway stores in Denver. These stores will deliver food donations through Uber Direct’s network of delivery people, who pick up and deliver food to local non-profit organizations and food banks. Want to learn more about this expanded program? Click here.

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UNITED STATES - The Southern and Western United States regions are gearing up for some warm weather as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts high temperatures over the next week.

Starting today—Tuesday, June 4—a total of 37 major cities are forecast to have dangerous levels of heat on one or more days, The New York Times reported.

This includes cities across Texas, California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and Louisiana. Laredo, Texas, seems to be seeing the highest temperatures among the regions, with temps climbing to 116° F today and rising to 117° F tomorrow.

As The New York Times noted, summer temperatures have become hotter and more extreme in recent decades, making the impacts of such heat waves more prevalent.

ANUK will continue to monitor the heat wave and its impact on U.S. growing regions, so keep clicking back.