GREENSBORO, NC - When two powerful organizations come together to tackle one challenge, the opportunities are endless. The Fresh Market has once again strengthened its partnership with Feeding America®, hosting a special fundraising event in honor of September’s Hunger Action Month®.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Feeding America once more this year on this vital initiative,” stated Jason Potter, Chief Executive Officer of The Fresh Market. “This partnership empowers us and our guests to positively impact our communities by rounding up their purchases. Together, we can work to ensure that everyone has access to food.”

During the month of September, shoppers across The Fresh Market’s 160-store footprint will have the opportunity to round up their total at the register or make a donation of their choice. As a press release stated, every $1 dollar donated helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks, and 90 percent of the funds raised at each store location will go directly to support the partner food bank in that community, based on zip code. The remaining 10 percent will support the activities of the Feeding America national organization.

Through this initiative, The Fresh Market raised over $85,000 for Feeding America last year. This year, the retailer aims to exceed that amount and provide even more support to those experiencing food insecurity. In addition to the current roundup fundraiser, The Fresh Market regularly donates unsold food to local Feeding America partner food banks.

“Hunger is a challenge we can overcome, together,” said Lauren Biedron, Feeding America's Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “We deeply appreciate partners like The Fresh Market who not only generously support the Feeding America network, but also assist in amplifying public awareness during Hunger Action Month.”

Each September, Feeding America leads its annual nationwide Hunger Action Month campaign to raise awareness about the 44 million people in the United States experiencing hunger. To read more, click here.

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UNITED STATES - The statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is currently less than a week away, with September 10 marking the beginning of optimal conditions for tropical storms and hurricanes.

According to reports from The Weather Channel, there is typically an overlap of favorable storm factors in early to mid-September, including ocean water reaching its highest temperature, the atmosphere's ability to generate thunderstorms hitting its peak, and hostile shearing winds declining to a minimum. Tropical waves, which act as seeds for development and typically peak in August, are also still statistically abundant in September.

September 10 is recognized as a distinct peak day with the most active named storms and hurricanes, with the three months from August through October seeing the most named storms (77 percent) and hurricanes (87 percent) during an average season.

While September 10 marks the traditional peak hurricane day, it is not guaranteed that the upcoming date will see an onslaught of Atlantic named storms as half the season still remains.

The source noted that even though this season has been behind schedule in some respects such as named storm and hurricane counts, many of the ingredients for an active season are still in place. In the past decade, the season’s last storm has arrived as early as October 28 and as late as the first week of December.

For more updates as we enter peak Atlantic hurricane season, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow.

GUATEMALA & HOUSTON, TX - According to Natus Foods, the holiday season is when the need for Brussels sprouts is the highest. The good news for retailers is the company’s Born Farms brand will have availability of the in-demand crop from October to February. With a variety of pack styles, the supplier can customize orders for both retail and foodservice customers.

“We grow these Brussels sprouts in a critical window when supply is always very low,” says Christopher Safieh, Vice President of Natus Foods. “This is the time between the domestic crop finishing and the crop from Mexico starting.”

A press release stated that these Brussels sprouts are strategically planted to fill the need for a quality product during the key holiday months. They are specifically grown at a higher altitude of 8,000 to 10,000 feet in the mountains of Guatemala, which provides ideal conditions. The crop is harvested by hand to protect the overall condition of the sprouts. They are then delivered to the production facility, where they are hand-peeled, trimmed, washed, and packaged.

“Reducing the time between harvest and packaging is critical to maintaining a consistent level of quality,” says Safieh.

Born Farms’ specific Brussels sprouts variety has more tightly wrapped leaves that hold together better during the cooking process, as well as a sweeter flavor and more tender texture. They can be taken straight from the bag to the oven, eliminating as much as 46 percent of the costs associated with on-site preparation at foodservice. Natus Foods is currently booking orders from this year’s crop to meet demand during the critical months of November, December, and January.

Born Farms products are grown by Unispice in the mountains of Guatemala and shipped to customers around the world. It also specializes in growing French beans, Sugar Snap peas, Snow peas, baby peeled carrots with tops, baby corn, and baby broccoli.

ANUK will continue to keep you updated as we approach the holiday season, so stick with us.

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - The Allen Lund Company (ALC) has announced the promotion of Ben Tinker to General Manager of its Madison office. This strategic appointment is set to enhance operational efficiencies, reflecting the company’s commitment to leadership and innovation in logistics management.

“I am honored and excited to tackle this opportunity. Throughout my 10 years with ALC, the company’s dedication to integrity, transparency, and hard work has been evident,” shared Tinker. “I look forward to upholding these values in Madison and driving the office forward. Leading an experienced team in Madison is a privilege, and we are eager to share our expertise with shippers, core carriers, and ALC. Thank you to the executive team for their commitment to the Madison office and me.”

Tinker, who joined ALC in 2014 following the acquisition of Northern Freight Service, has served as Assistant General Manager at the Madison office for the past seven years.

His promotion underscores ALC's commitment to fostering internal talent and leveraging experienced leaders to drive growth. According to a press release, Tinker’s tenure at ALC has been marked by his role in increasing load counts and providing vital support to the operations team.

“Congratulations to Ben Tinker on his promotion to General Manager of our Madison, WI, office!” said Tracey Lewin, Vice President of Sales and Operations. “Ben has over 17 years of industry experience, 10 of which have been with ALC. He was promoted to Assistant General Manager in 2017 and, during that time, significantly contributed to the office’s growth. With Ben's experience, tenacity, and leadership, we anticipate substantial advancements under his guidance.”

The Allen Lund Company remains committed to its strategic growth and the development of its internal team. Tinker’s promotion is expected to further strengthen ALC’s presence and performance in the logistics industry.

For more exciting updates on the world of logistics management, keep reading ANUK.