Whole Kids Foundation, a nonprofit established by Whole Foods Market and dedicated to helping to improve children’s nutrition, is granting a record $3 million in garden grants to help schools and nonprofit organizations start or expand edible learning spaces as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

The foundation is awarding the funds as part of its annual garden grant program after receiving more than 1,400 applications — the most ever in one year — from schools and nonprofits that want to create hands-on learning spaces that connect kids with food, spark their curiosity and support classroom

The dog days of summer are fading in the distance, and that signals the start of Stemilt’s new pear crop and the arrival of summer varieties. The company is in full harvest mode on its Rushing Rivers conventional and organic Bartlett and Starkrimson pears, and packing fruit fresh to order now to spur the back-to-school rush and first promotions of the season at retail.

According to Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, early indicators point to a high-quality pear crop with a range of sizes for promotion.

“It’s hard to believe we are already at that intersection between the summer and

While the COVID-19 pandemic has tested the apple industry up and down the supply chain, it has also presented unique opportunities, according to a new U.S. Apple Association report released at the organization’s 126th annual outlook conference. Considering these opportunities, and despite a challenging 18 months, apple production is expected to exceed 11 billion pounds this crop year.

USApple’s Industry Outlook 2021 provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade. Authored by USApple Director of Industry Analytics Chris Gerlach, the

Wakefern Food Corp., one of the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperatives in the United States is adopting the latest in Reusable Plastic Containers  in its produce department to help improve quality, sustainability and lower costs for customers.   

By partnering with companies such as IFCO and Tosca that specialize in RPCs, Wakefern is able to maximize supply chain efficiency through better product protection and temperature control.  The containers also save time, space and money for shippers and allow for improved freshness with highly-ventilated, foldable and sturdy designs. 

Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., is once again investing in partnerships with national influencers for the 2021-22 crop year. Ocean Mist Farms will partner with The Real Food Dietitians, What Great Grandma Ate and Food With Feeling to create entertaining and educational content and expand the brand’s reach to new audiences.

“We are pleased to announce our influencer partnerships for the next 12 months, , which includes previous partners as well as some new faces as we continue to evolve our reach with our influencer program,” said Diana McClean

Last year, Mintel released its robust market research report on how today's consumers approach nutrition. Among various diet assessments, eating habits and affordability, the findings revealed that even the most discerning consumers valued taste above all. Providing consumers with an incredible eating experience is IFG's mission statement, which proves that we as innovative breeders are on the right path, based on Mintel's report.

With so many options in supermarkets today, most consumers have multiple brands to choose from that meet their nutritional and budgetary requirements. What Mintel's