SALISBURY, NC - Consumers looking to make a difference with their food choices have a unique opportunity via Food Lion. Through its sixth annual Food Lion Feeds Orange Bag campaign, the retailer has helped to provide more than 18.3 million meals with the support of its customers. The Orange Bag campaign benefits Feeding America® and local partner food banks throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.

“Every cash donation and orange bag purchase make a lasting impact to help nourish our neighbors,” said Kevin Durkee, Manager of Food Lion Feeds. “Working in collaboration with our partner food banks, we are honored to support their efforts to address food insecurity. We are committed to doing our part because everyone deserves access to nutritious food.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual report, Household Food Security in the United States in 2022, food-insecure households in the United States increased to 44 million, including 13 million children. That means one in seven individuals don’t know how they’ll afford their next meal, a press release stated.

The Orange Bag campaign ran from February 28–March 19, during which customers purchased specially marked Food Lion Feeds orange bags or made cash donations at the register during checkout at Food Lion stores. In this campaign, customers had the option to use digital keypads at checkout to donate a specific dollar amount or round up their purchases to support the cause.

“After seeing a 31 percent increase in 2022, the food insecurity rate is the highest it’s been since 2014,” said Lauren Biedron, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Feeding America. “It’s clear that more needs to be done to achieve a food-secure future for everyone, which is why we are grateful for our dedicated partners, like Food Lion, and their ongoing commitment to the movement to end hunger.”

Since the Food Lion Feeds Orange Bag campaign began in 2019, customers have helped to provide more than 25 million meals through the sale of the specially marked orange bags and cash donations.

We applaud these impactful efforts to make nutritious food more accessible!

CORONA, CA - As the industry gets ready to gather for Viva Fresh in Houston, Texas, Index Fresh is getting ready to show off the ways it is helping promote healthier lifestyles. Among the team attending the show is Susie Rea, Sales and Business Development, who is serving as a mentor for this year’s Clean Eating Challenge.

“Anyone aiming to have a healthful balanced diet can lean into avocados, because they pack a nutritional punch with an abundance of potassium, healthy fats, and dietary fiber,” said Rea. “Best of all, they taste great and are versatile, so you can plan a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner around avocados. I, along with other ‘Challenge Champions’, take advantage of Viva Fresh as a forum to share how we’ve adopted healthier lifestyles, starting with eating more of what we grow and sell while celebrating our wellness wins along the way.”

Rea herself participated in the 2022 Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge, a release stated. Now, she is back to coach her industry peers who are looking to tap into clean eating and wellness through movement and diet.

At the show, Rea and her colleagues at Index Fresh will also be discussing avocado category expansion opportunities, new sustainable packaging solutions, and more. Viva Fresh also serves up the perfect opportunity for the industry to talk with Index Fresh about its seasonal GEM avocado program that kicks off this month.

“Gold-flecked GEM avocados deliver all the healthy nutrients of the beloved Hass, but with a larger size and slightly nuttier flavor. GEMs bring bonus value, variety, and taste to the category,” commented Rea.

GEMs are also a sustainable choice for growers looking to increase yields, reduce water displacement, and achieve greater efficiency during harvest. The variety provides a great option for retailers looking for a seasonal program of premium, sustainably grown fruit marketed now through the end of July to expand the avocado category.

The company will be introducing its new cellulose packaging for its bagged organic and conventional AvoTerra line. The cellulose bag is made of 100 percent paper and is both 100 percent recyclable and compostable.

To chat with the team about these highlights, stop by booth #117.

Stay tuned to ANUK for more show updates.

LOS ANGELES, CA - News of a portfolio expansion is coming out of Progressive Produce with its Keystone Fruit Marketing division introducing California flat sweet onions. The variety will join the brand’s other offerings as part of its extensive year-round sweet onion program.

"California flat sweet onions exclusively from Progressive Farms are an exciting addition to our year-round sweet onion program," states Dr. Oscar Guzman, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Progressive Produce. "Grown under the warm California sun, these onions offer a unique flavor profile and versatility that complement our existing lineup of sweet onions. Whether you're grilling, sautéing, or enjoying them raw, California flat sweet onions from Progressive Farms elevate every meal."

The program features a wide range of sweet onions, including Vidalias®, Walla Walla Sweet Onions, and Mayan Sweets from Peru and Mexico. With this diverse selection, Progressive Produce and Keystone Fruit Marketing ensure uninterrupted supply to meet customer demands throughout the year, a release stated.

Progressive and Keystone’s California flat sweet onions are available in a 40 lb carton or a 2 lb bag. These sizing options cater to both retail and foodservice partners, providing versatility and convenience.

"By opting for our California sweets, retailers and foodservice providers on the West Coast can avoid the added freight costs from Georgia while maintaining the beloved flat sweet onion profile that their customers know and love,” added Guzman. “Additionally, sourcing locally grown produce supports regional farmers and ensures a fresher product, contributing to a positive customer experience and significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation."

For more of the latest offerings and expansions, AndNowUKnow is your source.