Dollar General and DoorDash announced a new offering to bring SNAP/EBT payment capabilities to more than 16,000 of Dollar General’s stores on the DoorDash Marketplace. With the addition of Dollar General, DoorDash’s network of stores that accept SNAP/EBT online payments on the DoorDash Marketplace nearly doubled to over 35,000 stores.

“Dollar General’s mission of serving others includes helping customers save time and money every day. Unlocking the ability for SNAP/EBT recipients to shop online and have groceries delivered straight to their door through DoorDash provides even more

Equifruit, a leader in Fairtrade-certified bananas in North America, has achieved a spot on The Globe and Mail’s brand new ranking, Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies. This ranking celebrates successful female entrepreneurship and trail blazing companies that are shaping Canada’s business landscape.

“We’re honored to appear on this list alongside other women-led companies that are transforming the face of business here in Canada,” said Jennie Coleman, president and co-owner of Equifruit. “As a 100 percent Fairtrade banana company, we are 100 percent committed to one of Fairtrade’s key

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on four produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Ruby J Farms LLC

Instacart introduced its Smart Shop, which leverages cutting-edge generative AI and machine learning to create a more personalized grocery shopping experience. With Smart Shop, Instacart is making online grocery shopping more intuitive by analyzing customer habits and dietary preferences to surface the most relevant products faster.

In addition to Smart Shop, Instacart unveiled new AI-powered Health Tags, which provide detailed and transparent nutritional information across the catalog, and Inspiration Pages, curated destinations within the Instacart experience featuring expert-backed health

The Southeast Produce Council is introducing The Unseen Hero Award, a special recognition honoring the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the produce industry moving forward. Whether in growing, shipping, packing, retail or foodservice, these unsung heroes make a lasting impact without seeking the spotlight.

SEPC is now accepting nominations for The Unseen Hero Award. If you know someone whose dedication, hard work and contributions deserve to be recognized, it encourages you to submit a nomination.

Nominees should exemplify:

• Dedication & Commitment – A strong work

Meijer will open three new supercenters in northeast Ohio on May 8, increasing the retailer's store count to 58 in the state. The new 159,000-square-foot supercenters are located in Austintown, Medina and Richmond Heights.

The stores will feature the wide assortment of fresh produce and grocery staples, including bakery, meat, seafood and deli departments, a floral area, garden center, apparel and home goods sections. The supercenters will also include a full-service pharmacy, health and beauty care section, an expansive pet department, electronics, toys and sporting goods. More details about