Temperatures have returned to seasonal averages in northern Mexico and the southwestern desert regions following weeks of cold temperatures. 

In early January hurricane-force winds sparked extensive wildfires in Southern California and Northern Baja that severely impacted herb production from these regions. The strong winds and extended cold temperatures have reduced supplies of most herbs, especially basil followed by tarragon and sage. 

A couple of low-pressure systems will bring slightly cooler temperatures and light precipitation to the region through the weekend followed by seasonal

Big Y’s annual Sack Hunger campaign provides funds for the four food banks within its two-state marketing area. In turn, these food banks support local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, daycare centers and many others of the 2,100-member agencies that they help every day. Their goal is to maximize access to nutritious food and other resources that support food security for those at risk of hunger.

"Each year, our customers and employees come together to support families across Massachusetts and Connecticut impacted by food insecurity during the holiday season. We are

POM Wonderful and OAKBERRY launched a limited-time collaboration for National Heart Month: the Very POM Berry Smoothie. Available throughout February at all U.S. locations, for every smoothie sold, $1 will be donated to pediatric heart initiatives in the Los Angeles area.

The Very POM Berry smoothie is part of OAKBERRY’s Layered Smoothie lineup, offering a burst of berry flavor, including frozen blueberries, strawberries and raspberries blended with sweet and tart POM Wonderful 100 percent pomegranate juice, atop a layer of OAKBERRY’s açaí.

This partnership underscores both brands’ mission

Stater Bros. is rolling out Afresh's store ordering solution chainwide across its produce departments. After a successful pilot, the Southern California-based chain is implementing Afresh in all of its 169 stores. Stater Bros. is well-known among shoppers for its fresh and affordable foods. By using Afresh, it will now be easier for Stater Bros. to deliver on those promises.

The retailer is replacing its previous manual ordering processes with its use of Afresh's AI-powered solution, and it measured significant improvements during the pilot. Notably, the produce teams have reduced overstock

Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, launched its 12th  location in greater Philadelphia.

Brighter Bites will serve six schools within the Bensalem Township School District, which will directly impact close to 900 families and provide approximately 144,000 pounds of fresh produce to its participants. In addition to delivering fresh fruits and vegetables, the program will also include recipe demonstrations and in-class nutrition education lessons, equipping families and students with hands-on strategies to make the most

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. is introducing OptUP Your Nutrition, a new free nutrition coaching program to help customers achieve their health and wellness goals through customized nutrition tips and tools to support healthier eating.

The program provides Kroger Plus loyalty customers a free 30-minute virtual nutrition coaching session with a Kroger Health registered dietitian.

"Our customers are looking for ways to improve their overall health and achieve their wellness goals," said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. "OptUP Your Nutrition is designed