WASHINGTON - Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, is intensifying efforts to combat heat-related illnesses among farmworkers by sharing its free, bilingual Sun & Heat Protection toolkit.

With field temperatures often exceeding 100°F during peak harvest months, farmworkers face heightened risks of heat stress, dehydration, and heatstroke. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that heat-related mortality among agricultural workers is 35 times higher compared to other professions.

To address this pressing issue, EFI has developed a comprehensive Sun & Heat Protection toolkit, co-created with farmworkers, offering practical solutions and resources to enhance safety in the fields. The toolkit is free and includes:

• A Spanish-language video (with English subtitles) detailing symptoms of heat exhaustion, preventive measures, and what to do in case of overheating.
• Printable bilingual tip sheets to increase awareness of heat-related risks, safety measures, and symptoms.
• Printable bilingual flyers for communal areas to reinforce heat safety protocols.
• Curated statistics and external resources to support employer-led training initiatives.

“Education and voluntary compliance are vital when it comes to heat safety,” said Alexandra Martinez, EFI’s senior digital marketing and sales associate, in the recent release. “Farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related health risks, and we’re providing simple, executable steps that can help reduce illness and save lives.”

Workers performing strenuous work in temperatures above 95°F are at risk of heat stress, with heat-related injuries increasing for every degree rise in temperature, highlighting the significant economic and human costs of inadequate heat protection measures. This stark correlation highlights the urgent need for proactive safety protocols, especially in agriculture, where prolonged outdoor exposure intensifies the risk.

While states like California, Oregon, and Washington have enacted comprehensive heat protection standards, many regions lack such regulations, leaving millions of farmworkers vulnerable. EFI’s toolkit aims to bridge this gap by offering actionable resources that employers can implement regardless of local mandates.

Companies that prioritize worker well-being not only safeguard their employees but also enhance their operational efficiency. Forbes reports that organizations supporting wellness initiatives experience a 41% reduction in absenteeism and 59% less turnover, leading to a more stable and committed workforce. Furthermore, 89% of employees at such companies are more likely to recommend their employer as a good place to work, reflecting increased loyalty and satisfaction.

“By adopting comprehensive heat safety practices, employers can protect their workers and improve efficiencies while enhancing their reputation as employers of choice,” Martinez added. “It’s about fostering a positive and productive work environment where safety is paramount.”

For more information on EFI’s bilingual Sun & Heat Protection toolkit and to access the resources, visit here.

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) submitted updated policy recommendations to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission, offering proven strategies to reduce diet-related diseases and improve public health nationwide.

In the letter addressed to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., White House Domestic Policy Council Executive Director Vince Haley, and the MAHA Commission members, IFPA outlined 10 evidence-based recommendations that prioritize fruit and vegetable consumption as the cornerstone of national health policy, building on recommendations submitted earlier this year. The MAHA Commission, established by a February executive order, is charged with addressing childhood chronic disease and is expected to release its second report by Aug. 12.

"For too long, our nation has fallen short of consuming the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables, resulting in serious public health consequences," IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in a press release. "We appreciate the Commission engaging farmers and produce leaders, as we’re uniquely positioned to help drive solutions. Proven programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the National School Lunch Program show that when access improves, consumption increases. Now is the time for a bold, coordinated strategy to put fruits and vegetables at the heart of our health policies — and IFPA is ready with actionable, evidence-based recommendations."

IFPA’s recommendations include:

1. Embed Produce Prescriptions as a Covered Benefit within the Health System – IFPA advocates for incorporating produce prescriptions into federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to support diet-related disease prevention and reduce healthcare costs.
2. Enhance Nutrition Clarity in Food Labeling – IFPA calls on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mandate transparent labeling for food products claiming fruit and vegetable content, enabling consumers to make informed dietary choices.
3. Expand Financial Incentives for Fruit and Vegetable Purchases – IFPA proposes making fresh produce eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs), along with a federal tax credit for purchases that align with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
4. Expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) – IFPA recommends extending FFVP access to all elementary schools and eventually middle and high schools, helping students develop healthy eating habits early.
5. Modernize USDA Purchasing Programs – IFPA calls for recalibrating U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) procurement strategies to include a broader range of fresh produce and increase distribution to underserved communities through nonprofit organizations.
6. Increase Fruit and Vegetable Access for SNAP Recipients – Citing USDA research, IFPA suggests incentivizing produce purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help recipients meet dietary recommendations.
7. Enhance Data Collection for Federal Nutrition Programs – IFPA supports a systematic approach to track and analyze federal feeding and nutrition program data, ensuring alignment with public health goals.
8. Support Access to Safe Crop Protection Tools – IFPA urges the administration to strengthen product assessment and registration efforts within EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, ensuring fresh produce growers can access effective and safer technologies to protect crops against pests, weeds, and diseases.
9. Invest in Specialty Crop Research and Innovation – IFPA recommends fully funding agricultural research programs that drive innovation in specialty crop production, pest management, mechanization, and plant breeding.
10. Incentivize Regenerative Agriculture Practices – IFPA calls on policymakers to support voluntary, incentive-based programs that promote regenerative agriculture systems, enhancing soil health, biodiversity, water efficiency, and climate resilience while ensuring a stable, profitable, and sustainable fresh produce supply.

IFPA remains committed to working with the administration, policymakers, and industry partners to advance these priorities, creating a healthier, more resilient future for all Americans.

DINUBA, CA - Sumo Citrus® and Chillhouse launched a limited-edition summer collection that brings bold, citrus energy to your fingertips – literally. Fans can embrace the ultimate summer vibes and keep the spirit of Sumo Citrus forever in season with three delicious designs that perfectly blend the colors and joyful experience of everyone's favorite enormously delicious citrus with the salon-quality, modern press-on nails from Chillhouse.

As easy as Sumo Citrus is to peel, users can seamlessly apply these Chillhouse Chill Tips to create the perfect no-mess, no-wait, no-smudge nails from home or while on the go in just 15 minutes, ensuring each summer manicure is as legendary as the fruit it features. Much like Sumo Citrus season, the collection is only available for a limited time and highlights three unique designs:

• 100% Sumo Citrus: A rich violet base adorned with 3D orange fans, a vibrant nod to the iconic Sumo Citrus logo
• Peeling Good: A juicy twist on the classic French tips, featuring a zesty sparkle of citrus-hued rhinestones
• Worth The Squeeze: A citrus vision with a raised cat-eye effect that catches the light while mini–Sumo Citrus icons dance across each nail

"While Sumo Citrus may not be in season until January, these limited-edition nails allow fans to continue enjoying their favorite fruit throughout the summer and create that same feeling of anticipation and joy as Sumo Citrus season does," says Sunnia Gull, Vice President of Marketing for Sumo Citrus, in the recent release. "Followers of the brand look forward to the season every year, so we wanted to create a core moment in the offseason that keeps that excitement going in an unexpected way."

Starting now, these Chill Tip designs are available on chillhouse.com for $16 each, while supplies last. Each Chill Tip kit comes with 30 nails to find the perfect fit for each user, a dual-sided buffer and file, a cuticle stick, and gentle glue.

"What better way to add a pop of color to your nails this summer than with the ultimate citrus experience," says Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, founder of Chillhouse. "With fruit-inspired nails most popular during the summer months, we are thrilled to release the Sumo Citrus x Chillhouse collection featuring the unique color, shape, and energy of Sumo Citrus."

For more information, visit here and be sure to follow Sumo Citrus and Chillhouse on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for fun surprises throughout the partnership.

DEVENS, MA - Little Leaf Farms, the country's #1 brand of packaged lettuce sustainably grown through controlled environment agriculture (CEA)1, is expanding its line of leafy greens with the launch of its newest variety: Romaine Leaf.

Setting a new standard in how Romaine is grown and enjoyed, Little Leaf Farms introduces Romaine Leaf: flavorful lettuce that stays fresh and crispy longer, and is grown without harmful pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Nurtured in greenhouses that harness sunlight and fresh rainwater, it's sustainably produced 365 days a year, delivering clean, delicious greens with every bite.

Unlike field-grown lettuce, Little Leaf Farms' leafy greens are hands-free from seeding to harvest, which means no washing is required. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or any recipe that needs some extra crunch, Romaine Leaf is harvested daily and delivered from greenhouse to grocery store in about a day – a testament to the brand's commitment to deliver on freshness, quality, and taste.

"Romaine is a staple in households across the country, and we saw a real opportunity to elevate this everyday favorite," said Chris Hill, Chief Revenue Officer at Little Leaf Farms, in a recent release. "By growing our leafy greens in a controlled environment, we're offering consumers a crisp, fresh Romaine they'll love, grown in a way they can feel good about."

Little Leaf Farms' Romaine Leaf is available in 4-oz. packages and can be found on retail shelves throughout the eastern half of the U.S. Romaine Leaf is also available for foodservice customers.

Romaine Leaf is the latest development in Little Leaf Farms' continued expansion. The new lettuce variety follows the company's announcement of its newest facility in Manchester, Tennessee – a 215-acre site that will significantly increase production capacity. Once fully operational, the Tennessee greenhouse will supply fresh leafy greens to the Midwest, Southeast, and Texas. Construction is set to begin this summer, with an anticipated launch in Fall 2026.

As the fastest-growing packaged salad brand in the country, Little Leaf Farms continues to advance toward its goal of bringing fresh, delicious leafy greens to all, serving over 50% of the U.S. population through 7,000 grocery stores in the Eastern U.S.

For more information, visit www.littleleaffarms.com.

ORLANDO, FL - The National Mango Board (NMB) announced its partnership with Instacart to give away free mangos* to customers nationwide on July 22 in celebration of National Mango Day. The one-day promotion will highlight the peak of mango season and aims to drive trial and awareness by making it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy the tropical superfruit at home.

Through the partnership, select fresh mangos will be available free of charge on Instacart for one day only. The campaign celebrates summer flavor and aligns with NMB's mission to get more mangos into more hands, especially during the height of the summer season.

The Instacart campaign will feature a themed brand page, shoppable media placements, and targeted digital creative, all designed to drive engagement and generate trial.

"This Instacart activation is a fresh way to connect with consumers right where they shop," said Ramón Ojeda, executive director at the National Mango Board, in the recent release. "It's a joyful celebration of National Mango Day and a moment to surprise and delight mango fans with something sweet and unexpected."

As part of the broader National Mango Day celebration, NMB is also launching Mango Mixologist, an interactive, gamified recipe tool available exclusively at Mango.org. The experience lets users mix and match ingredients to discover custom mango recipes, explore new usage occasions, and learn about the fruit's versatility in an intuitive, playful way. The launch will focus on mango-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

Ojeda added, "Mango Mixologist is a strategic evolution of how we connect with our audience. Not only are we sharing recipes through Mango Mixologist, but we're also creating an experience that inspires people to celebrate with mango, any day of the week."

The digital tool also includes educational content on mango selection and preparation, as well as a growing library of mango-forward recipes curated by creators and culinary influencers. Users can save and share their custom drinks, deepening engagement and discovery.

For more information on National Mango Day, the Instacart promotion, or to dive into the Mango Mixologist experience, visit Mango.org.

* To redeem your free mango, visit Instacart and add the eligible National Mango Board product to your Instacart order before checking out, while supplies last. Exclusions, sales tax, and terms apply.