Recipes
Publix & Healthy Family Project Serve 825,000 Meals to Food Banks This Fall
2024-12-02
Reidsville, GA witnessed an extraordinary event as the Healthy Family Project's annual Fall Produce for Kids cause marketing campaign with Publix took center stage from September 26 to November 4. In the produce departments of all Publix stores, a remarkable synergy emerged.

Nourishing Kids with Seasonal Produce and Community Impact

17 Produce Vendors Unite for Nutritious Impact

During this six-week campaign, an astounding 17 produce companies came together, providing a whopping 825,000 meals* to the 37 Feeding America® partner food banks in the Publix market area. This isn't just a one-time effort; it's the 22nd year of this campaign, having raised over $4.1 million for causes that support families and children in the communities where Publix operates. It has also played a crucial role in providing more than 15 million meals to Feeding America partner food banks.Each participating Publix store became a hub of activity during this campaign. More than 1,300 stores displayed signs near the participating produce vendors, inviting shoppers to explore a free, bilingual digital cookbook. These signs featured QR codes that linked to a cookbook filled with seasonal recipe inspiration. There was also a section introducing the Publix dietitian team and valuable nutrition tips."Dwaine Stevens, Publix Director of Community Relations, emphasized, 'Publix is dedicated to creating positive change in the communities we serve. Our 22-year collaboration with Healthy Family Project's Produce for Kids campaign truly reflects this commitment.'"The campaign sponsors were prominently featured in a Healthy Family Project-hosted Halloween themed Instagram Live cooking class and also received significant attention in Healthy Family Project's social media and e-newsletter content."John Shuman, founder of Healthy Family Project and president of Shuman Farms, stated, 'Our continued partnership with Publix and our valued produce partners has allowed us to make a meaningful difference in Publix communities over the years.'"Partners supporting the fall Publix Produce for Kids cause-marketing campaign included Ayco Farms, Bay Food Brokerage, Chiquita, Coast Tropical, Crunch Pak®, Hero®, Del Monte Fresh, Fresh Express®, GT’s Living Foods, Mariani Nut Company, Marzetti®, Mission Produce, nasoya®, SUNSET®, Rainer Fruit, Village Farms Greenhouse Grown® and Wonderful® Halos Mandarins.According to the USDA, an estimated 47 million people, including nearly 14 million children, in the U.S. were living in food-insecure households in 2023. This campaign serves as a vital lifeline, raising funds for local Feeding America partner food banks such as Feeding Northeast Florida, Food Bank of North Alabama, Montgomery Area Food Bank, Inc., All Faiths Food Bank, America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Feeding America Tampa Bay, Feeding South Florida, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Feeding the Valley Food Bank, Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Dare to Care Food Bank, Golden Harvest Food Bank, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, Second Harvest of South Georgia, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Lowcountry Food Bank, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Feed More, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, Food Bank of Abermarle, Fredricksburg Area Food Bank, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, MANNA Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, Second Harvest Food Bank of SE North Carolina, and Treasure Coast Food Bank and Virginia Peninsula Food bank.For more information about the Publix Produce for Kids campaign, visit healthyfamilyproject.com.*Every $1 donated to Feeding America helps secure at least 10 meals on behalf of member food banks.About Healthy Family Project | Produce for KidsHealthy Family Project firmly believes in creating a healthier generation. As a cause marketing organization, it creates programs like Produce for Kids, which offer easy, fun, and inspiring recipes and healthy ideas. Since its inception in 2002 by Shuman Farms, Healthy Family Project has raised over $8 million to benefit children and families and provided more than 22 million meals through Feeding America. To learn more about Healthy Family Project and healthy eating, visit healthyfamilyproject.com.About PublixPublix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with over 255,000 associates, currently operates 1,386 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. For 27 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. Additionally, Publix's dedication to superior quality and customer service is renowned in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.About Feeding America®Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. It supports tens of millions of people experiencing food insecurity by providing them with the food and resources they need to thrive. It is a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries, and meal programs. Feeding America also invests in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocates for legislation that improves food security, and works to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living, and employment. It partners with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters in a united movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
Food Blogger Lauren Mapp Tasted 80 Seafood Tacos for You
2024-12-02
San Diego food journalist Lauren J. Mapp recently launched the “Tides & Tacos” food blog. She chose a traditional Thanksgiving menu but stuck with the basics. Mapp, an alum of Times of San Diego and former reporter with The San Diego Union-Tribune, left in May and started “Tides and Tacos” on Substack in June. During her five years at the U-T, she was a highly proficient staff writer. Her 2021 story on the best local California burrito had high conversions and was one of the most-read stories on the website. The burrito story also won awards from the San Diego Press Club and the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists. Earlier this year, she won another Press Club award for her “Tides & Tacos” introduction column. She wants to write a book on Indigenous food sovereignty with her mom. Mapp worked her way through college in San Diego, earning degrees in culinary arts, journalism, and political science. She wrote restaurant reviews for student newspapers. While some food writers have limited restaurant experience, Mapp aims to cover the local food scene on “Tides & Tacos”. Recent posts on the blog include various food-related topics. She said “Tides & Tacos” is different as it contains honest reviews and doesn't accept free food. December's posts will feature holiday cocktail recipes using locally sourced ingredients.

“Tides & Tacos” - A Unique Food Blog

Mapp's “Tides & Tacos” is a project that shares diverse stories of San Diego's food scene. It covers everything from finding the best versions of dishes to deep dives on niche topics. As a Black and Kanienʼkehá:ka (Mohawk Nation) woman with a farming background, she is excited to use the blog to tell these stories. Recent posts like “Tasting Tijuana” and “North Park beverage blogger” showcase the variety of content.

Indigenous Food and Journalism

Mapp's goal with “Tides & Tacos” is to give a voice to Indigenous food sovereignty. She grew up in New England with limited Mexican cuisine and fell in love with real tacos in San Diego. Her blog provides a platform for chefs, farmers, and food producers to share their stories. It's a space that isn't influenced by advertisers or restaurant agreements, ensuring honest reviews.

San Diego County Fair Marketing Awards

The 22nd District Agricultural Association received 10 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions for the 2024 Fair. Awards included Best Marketing campaign for the “Let’s Go Retro” theme and various other categories. Nearly 900,000 people attended the 20-day fair. The District's CEO expressed gratitude for the awards and looked forward to the 2025 fair with a new theme.

Jack in the Box's Leadership Restructure

Ryan Ostrom, executive VP and chief marketing and digital officer at Jack in the Box, Inc., is assuming additional responsibilities as chief customer and digital officer. His new role is part of a strategic leadership restructure. He has been with the company since 2021 and will continue to drive initiatives for brand loyalty and operations excellence.

Sun Country Builders' New Marketing Manager

Carolina Alban-Stoughton has been named marketing and business development manager at Carlsbad-based Sun Country Builders. She will lead client relationships, identify new business opportunities, and oversee marketing and public relations. Previously, she worked at Calsense and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. She has a master's degree in broadcast journalism and a bachelor's degree in communications and has been honored with writing awards.
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Pat Hynes: Shocking Food Insecurity in Western MA vs Gaza
2024-12-01
When perusing the November 23 cover story in the Recorder titled “Hunger skyrockets in region,” one might naturally assume it would focus on the dire situation in Gaza. After all, there, a growing crisis of starvation and famine is being exacerbated by Israel's blockade of essential aid, including food. However, this was not the case. Instead, it unveiled a harrowing tale of food insecurity affecting a staggering 41% of western Massachusetts households and 34% across the entire state. The safety nets of food banks and the selfless efforts of humanistic individuals and programs are now under immense strain. In a country where record-breaking billionaires and millionaires abound, our government, with the largest military budget in the world, has astonishingly spent over $23 billion and counting on Israel's actions in Gaza over the past year. Astonishingly, 140 million Americans are classified as poor or near poor, according to the Poor People's Campaign. We must strive for a democracy that truly serves the people, not one dominated by profit-driven corporations selling weapons, healthcare, and processed food, along with their powerful lobbyists.

Uncovering the Hidden Hunger Crisis in Our Communities

Food Insecurity in Western Massachusetts

1: The statistics regarding food insecurity in western Massachusetts are truly alarming. With 41% of households facing this issue, it becomes evident that this is not a minor problem. Families are struggling to put food on the table, and the local food banks are working overtime to meet the demand. This is a crisis that affects not only individuals but also the very fabric of our communities. 2: The causes of this food insecurity are multi-faceted. From economic disparities to limited access to affordable healthy food, there are several factors at play. Many families are living paycheck to paycheck, and any unexpected expense can push them into a state of food insecurity. Additionally, the lack of affordable housing and high cost of living further exacerbate the problem.

Government Spending and Its Impact

1: While our government boasts the largest military budget in the world, it seems to be neglecting the basic needs of its citizens. The staggering $23 billion spent on Israel's actions in Gaza over the past year is a glaring example of misplaced priorities. Meanwhile, 140 million Americans are living in poverty or near poverty. This disconnect between military spending and domestic needs is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. 2: It is crucial that our government reevaluates its spending priorities and allocates more resources towards addressing food insecurity and poverty. By doing so, we can begin to build a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life.

The Role of Humanistic Efforts

1: In the face of this crisis, the efforts of food banks and humanistic individuals and programs are truly commendable. These organizations are working tirelessly to provide food and support to those in need. Their work is essential in bridging the gap between those who have and those who do not. 2: However, these efforts alone are not enough. We need a collective effort from all sectors of society to address the root causes of food insecurity. This includes advocating for policies that promote economic equality, improving access to affordable healthy food, and holding corporations accountable for their actions.
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