The Southeast Produce Council will highlight the latest industry innovation and insights Sept. 22-24 at its SEPC conference held in Nashville, Tennessee. “Insight from our board of directors told us that there are four areas where innovation occurs in produce – at the farm, in the store, on the menu and for the planet,” said […]
Author Archives: Sommer Stockton
Digital Content Editor
Sommer joined The Shelby Report in January 2022 after graduating from Brenau University in Gainesville, GA, with a B.A. and M.A. in Communications and Media Studies. As Digital Content Editor, she leverages her expertise in digital strategy and content creation to enhance The Shelby Report’s online presence and engage readers.
Committed to the grocery industry, Sommer also serves on an advisory committee with the National Grocers Association (NGA), advocating for independent grocers. She enjoys exploring emerging trends and delivering actionable insights to the Shelby community.
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Midwest
Hornbacher’s Launches EBT SNAP Acceptance For Delivery
Fargo, North Dakota-based Hornbacher’s will accept EBT SNAP for same-day delivery and curbside pickup orders placed through Instacart. With this program, EBT SNAP participants will be able to use their benefits to access fresh food and pantry staples online from Hornbacher’s eight locations across the Fargo-Moorhead market. This launch follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Anniversary Issues, West
At AJ’s, Focus Is On ‘Bringing Best Of The Best’
The Shelby Report of the West’s EVP Bob Reeves recently toured an AJ’s Fine Foods banner of Bashas’ Family of Stores. He was accompanied by Ralph Woodward, SVP of operations for Bashas’ Family of Stores, and Jayson Mead, VP of AJ’s. AJ’s, a gourmet market, became part of the company in 1993. In the floral […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Albertsons, Southwest
Tarrant Area Food Bank Receives $200K Grant From Albertsons
Fort Worth, Texas-based Tarrant Area Food Bank was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Tom Thumb/Albertsons Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program that aims to help connect qualified individuals with existing federal meal programs. The funding will be allocated to its “Resources, Education Delivered (RED Bus)” mobile program. Tarrant Area Food Bank has launched this initiative to […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Northeast
NJDA Highlights Jersey Fresh Produce At Stop & Shop
New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher visited the Kingsland Avenue Stop & Shop in Clifton Aug. 31 to highlight the store featuring Jersey Fresh in its produce department. Stop & Shop’s 58 New Jersey stores source produce from several local farms from the state. They include Abma’s Farm in Bergen County; Cassaday Farms […]
Posted inMeijer, Independent Store News, Midwest, Sustainability News
Meijer Expands Beach Cleanup Events To Gain Public Participation
In conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup, Meijer is sponsoring two Adopt-a-Beach cleanup events on Sept. 17 and is encouraging public participation to help clean local beaches and keep plastic out of the Great Lakes. “We’re lucky to live in the beautiful Great Lakes, which is synonymous with summertime visits to the beach,” said Erik Petrovskis, director […]
Posted inPackaging News, National
PAC Machinery To Showcase Packaging Solutions At Expo
PAC Machinery, a leader in packaging equipment, will hold the company’s largest exhibit at Pack Expo International, the packaging and processing show, Oct. 23-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The expo will have several new features, according to show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. PAC Machinery will be bringing a range of machinery […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Independent Store News, Southeast
Publix Recognized On People’s ‘Companies That Care’ List
Lakeland, Florida-based Publix has ranked No. 28 on the 2022 People “Companies that Care” list. This is the company’s third consecutive year on the list, which highlights U.S. companies that demonstrate respect, care and concern for employees, communities and the environment. “Since our company was founded in 1930, Publix has prioritized taking care of our employees, […]
Posted inProduce News, Snacks Brands, West
Blue Diamond Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients
Sacramento, California-based Blue Diamond Growers Foundation has announced its 2022-23 scholarship recipients. This year, scholarship funding is being awarded to 25 college students who are either dependents of Blue Diamond employees or are members of local communities who are pursuing agriculture-related fields of study at colleges and universities in California and throughout the country. “We […]
Posted inPackaging News, Southwest
Bud Light Releases Limited-Edition UTSA Bottle
Bud Light is launching a limited-edition University of Texas at San Antonio-branded Bud Light for game day. As the official beer sponsor of UTSA Athletics, Bud Light is featuring the Roadrunners’ battle cry “Birds Up” on limited-edition packages for this season. The 16-ounce Bud Light aluminum bottles can be found at the Alamodome on game […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast
Vita Coco Celebrates World Coconut Day, Sept. 2
New York-based Vita Coco is giving consumers the chance to participate in a fundraising initiative to give back to coconut farming communities for World Coconut Day, held Sept. 2. Vita Coco partnered with Beautiful Destinations, a platform for travel and lifestyle content, to produce short-form video content for the Vita Coco Project, the brand’s social impact program. […]
Posted inProduce News, National, Organic Natural
Organic Grower Summit To Hold Educational Session
Navigating and adhering to new compliance requirements for organic producers and handlers will be the subject of the first educational session announced as part of the upcoming Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPNeducational program. As the National Organic Program’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement initiative comes closer to being finalized, new compliance challenges are […]
Posted inNorthgate Market, Center Store, West
Northgate Gonzalez Market Raises $700K During Golf Tournament
Anaheim, California-based Northgate González Market suppliers and sponsors recently raised more than $700,000 to help local families with education and wellness initiatives at the 13th Annual Familia Gonzalez Reynoso Foundation Golf Tournament. About 336 golfers participated in the event, which was held at the Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach, with the title sponsorship from Anheuser […]
Posted inProduce News, Organic Natural, Southwest
Natural Grocers Commemorates Organic Month With Fundraiser
Lakewood, Colorado-based Natural Grocers is honoring Organic Month with a fundraiser for Beyond Pesticides throughout September. Customers can join Natural Grocers in contributing to Beyond Pesticides’ mission of creating synthetic pesticide-free local parks and playing fields. Customers will have an opportunity to support the retailer’s goal of raising $100,000 for the organization with donations at the register and […]
Posted inBakery News, Northeast
Martin’s Potato Rolls Expands Distribution To Midwest
Pennsylvania-based Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread has expanded into the Cleveland, Ohio, retail market. The company’s products are available for purchase in these areas through retail and club stores. Cleveland consumers can find Martin’s full product offering, including its Sandwich Potato Rolls and Long Potato Rolls. Other available products include Slider Potato Rolls, Dinner Potato Rolls, Party […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest
Hy-Vee Dietitians To Host ‘Meet Your Metrics’ Tour
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Hy-Vee will provide 1,000 free biometric screenings at more than 60 stores as part of its “Meet Your Metrics” tour during National Cholesterol Month. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Customers should contact the participating Hy-Vee nearest them to schedule an appointment. A biometric screening is a combination of […]
Posted inBakery News, Executive News, Southeast
Flowers Foods Promotes Roach To Chief Strategic Projects Officer
Thomasville, Georgia-based Flowers Foods has promoted David Roach, formerly president of cake operations, to chief strategic projects officer, effective immediately. In this newly created role, Roach is responsible for leading various strategic projects for the company and will continue to report to Brad Alexander, chief operating officer. Tom Winters, Flowers’ chief supply chain officer, is responsible for overseeing […]
Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, West
WAFC Announces Leadership Team Changes
The Western Association of Food Chains has announced changes to its leadership team. As Pat Posey takes the helm as COO, several moves took effect Sept. 1. Paul Gianetto, currently serving as the treasurer, was promoted to VP of the WAFC and chairman of the 2023 WAFC Convention. Nancy Lebold, who previously served as secretary, […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Northeast
Tops Celebrates Four Meat Managers For Dedication, Efforts
Williamsville, New York-based Tops Friendly Markets is recognizing its employee leaders within the meat departments throughout the chain’s footprint. These awards recognize the efforts to serve customers while navigating COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. In order to be eligible Tops employees had to meet the following criteria: 2021 sales, shrink and margin vs 2019 (the last year […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Southwest, Sustainability News
Tyson Foods Releases 2021 Sustainability Report
Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson Foods has released its 2021 Sustainability Report, which reflects its focus on driving product responsibility and working to sustain natural resources. “More than ever, Tyson Foods is operating as part of a global food system and we have a critical role to play in responsibly producing food that is affordable, accessible and […]