Latest Fresh Produce News & Insights

Schools News

No Kid Hungry Back-to-School Report: School Meals Serve as Lifeline

An overwhelming number of parents are facing more challenges to put food on the table for their kids due to rising food costs and a worsening job market, according to new research released by No Kid Hungry... Read More

Jill Dutton

Sep 12, 2025
Social Responsibility , SNAP , Schools

Bayer and DNO Put Broccoli Stems to the Test in School Lunch Menus

A fresh collaboration between Vegetables by Bayer and DNO Produce is bringing broccoli stems to school cafeterias, aiming to make nutritious vegetables more appealing and fun... Read More

Jill Dutton

Aug 05, 2025
Broccoli , Produce Retail , Schools

School cooking and nutrition education programs to share $250K in grants

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation will provide materials and supplies to help teach youth about preparing fresh snacks and meals, making a connection to healthy eating... Read More

The Packer Staff

Apr 21, 2025
Social Responsibility , Schools

Through Feeding School Kids, public school districts have been able to support meal programs and address food insecurity from supplying backpacks with weekend food to clearing outstanding student lunch debt to building on-campus food pantries and establishing garden programs.

The Giant Co. kicks off annual Feeding School Kids initiative

Customers can support public school districts’ food programs through March 31... Read More

The Packer Staff

Jan 02, 2025
Social Responsibility , Schools , Nutrition , Produce Retail

The Climate Mayors are recognizing the critical role of farm-to-school programs in advancing food security, supporting local economies, addressing climate change and improving the quality of school meals for millions of children.

Officials tout progress of farm-to-school initiatives

California, in partnership with USDA and the Climate Mayors network, seeks to ensure students have access to school meals made with locally sourced ingredients... Read More

Jill Dutton

Dec 24, 2024
Schools , Nutrition , California , Local Food , Foodservice

Three elementary schools will receive the comprehensive Captain Planet Foundation Project Learning Garden program, valued at $6,000.

Raley’s to grant learning gardens to three elementary schools

Residents and schools can nominate a favorite elementary school in Northern California or Nevada to win a learning garden, courtesy of Raley’s... Read More

Jill Dutton

Oct 24, 2024
Social Responsibility , Schools

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to increase enrollment in state food assistance programs, reduce youth consumption of processed foods and increase access to healthy, locally grown food in all California communities.

California laws aim to increase youth access to healthy, local foods

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation to increase participation in food assistance programs, protect kids from overly processed foods, reduce food waste and improve access to healthy, locally grown foods to help address the chronic disease epidemic... Read More

The Packer Staff

Sep 30, 2024
California , Schools , Nutrition , Foodservice

The Tops in Education program allows participants to earn up to 5% in rewards for their school throughout the entire school year.

Tops in Education school rewards program returns

Since the program’s inception in 2012, Tops Friendly Markets has donated more than $1.9 million to over 1,000 participating schools... Read More

Jill Dutton

Aug 29, 2024
Produce Retail , Schools

Healthy Family Project’s 10th annual back-to-school campaign collaborates other brands dedicated to increasing produce consumption among the next generation. These partners include Bee Sweet Citrus, Consalo Family Farms, Shuman Farms RealSweet Onions, Jazz apples, Nature Fresh Farms, and Yo Quiero Brands.

Back-to-school campaign seeks to help busy families eat better

The Healthy Family Project’s partners and produce-centric resources aim to make nutritious eating easier as children return to class... Read More

Wayne Hardy

Aug 09, 2024
Nutrition , Produce Marketing , Schools

“The summer months can be difficult for families that rely on the nutritional support provided by the school lunch program," Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said.

New Jersey to participate in Summer EBT program

New Jersey is one of 35 states that will participate in the USDA’s new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program to provide more food availability to children and families in need during the summer months... Read More

Jennifer Strailey

Mar 01, 2024
Nutrition , Social Responsibility , Schools , Produce Retail

Tony's Charitable Foundation, a Heritage Grocers Group portfolio company, has launched its inaugural scholarship program.

Heritage Grocers Group launches scholarship programs

Stores under the Heritage Grocer Group banner will award a $3,000 scholarship to a student who demonstrates academic excellence, financial need, leadership attributes and a commitment to serving their local community... Read More

The Packer Staff