It’s November and as we approach the biggest meal of the year for many Americans, the most trusted consumer product testing lab has expanded its sphere of influence to the grocery aisles just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Good Housekeeping (GH), the longtime women’s magazine that is known for its “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” has introduced a new “GH Nutritionist Approved” emblem that is, according to the media outlet, “the first health-conscious, lifestyle-aware seal in the food and beverage industry.” The seal is awarded based on three core values: simplicity, transparency and innovation. The nutritionist who gives her stamp of approval on the food products for the seal is registered dietitian and New York State certified dietitian-nutritionist Jaclyn London, who oversees the Good Housekeeping Institute’s (GHI) Nutrition Lab. “Today’s consumers want to make healthier food choices, but with so many competing claims and misconceptions on what good-for-you foods actually are, grocery shopping is becoming an increasingly daunting task—it’s tough to find options about which consumers feel genuinely confident,” London said. In order for a food item to receive the GH Nutritionist Approved Emblem, brands have to submit their product for review in a similar way to the general application for the GH Seal. Once a company has received the nutritional emblem, it becomes part of the GHI’s new food incubator, the GH Food & Nutrition Brand lab. There, the companies receive support in marketing and optimizing the healthfulness of their products, among other benefits. London explains, “Consumers are familiar with and have faith in the Good Housekeeping name. My ultimate goal is to have consumers spot the Nutritionist Approved Emblem wherever they are and trust that it’s helping them adopt healthier habits—one meal or snack at a time.” Hopefully this new accreditation will have the same success as its sister seal, which has been helping consumers make smart and reliable purchases since 1909.
Fortune Magazine released its annual “Best Companies to Work for in Retail” for 2016 and topping that list is consumer favorite Wegmans. Although the Rochester, NY-based retailer has consistently been on the list for the past few years, this is the first year it has earned the number one spot. The rankings are based entirely from feedback of more than 23,000 employees at “Great Place to Work”-certified companies who also completed the Fortune Magazine Trust Index Employee Survey. The survey includes questions about fair and respectful treatment, clear expectations and the honesty and ethics of the management team as well as rating camaraderie among employees. Also, placing in the top five on the list is Sheetz, the gas station and convenience store chain that is headquartered in Altoona, PA and which has a presence in Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. It placed fourth in the rankings after being in the top 10 the past couple of years. A huge congratulations to both retailers for receiving such an honor and for a job consistently well done!
Another area retailer receiving accolades is Weis Markets, which was recognized last month by the National Recycling Coalition (NRC) with its 2016 “Business Leadership in Recycling” award for its food waste composting initiative and its plastic bag recycling programs. The award recognizes Weis for its food composting program currently conducted in 70 stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, its creative recycling of waxed cardboard that is used to produce Enviro-Log fire logs sold in company stores, and its recycling of plastic bags, which are used to produce Trex wood-alternative decking. The plastic lumber made from these bags is also built into benches that are distributed throughout local communities. “We are honored and proud to receive this award in recognition for the hard work and commitment we make each day to sustainability,” stated Patti Olenick, sustainability manager at Weis Markets. “In 2015, we recycled 33,000 tons of material and set a goal to increase this total by another five percent in 2016. Our recycling program is key to our company’s success and our planet’s future.
The ever philanthropic Giant/Landover is making news on its own with its charitable donations to two worthy causes. Late last month, the local grocery chain presented a $500,000 grant to the Children’s Cancer Foundation at its 32nd annual gala late last month at the Martin’s Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley, MD. This amount was an incremental $150,000 on top of the retailer’s standard commitment. The funds were made possible by Giant’s annual pediatric fundraising program, which raises money through various in-store and community promotions. Giant also made a $50,000 donation to the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) on November 8 at the non-profit organization’s headquarters. The money comes from in-store campaigns and fundraising that took place for the 24th annual Giant National Barbecue Battle in Washington, DC that took place at the end of June. The CAFB is the largest organization in the DC metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease, and obesity. Giant consistently sets a shining example of how to give back to the community year-round – their generosity is truly remarkable!
On a more somber note, I want to give my condolences to the Schlossberg family on the recent passing of their matriarch, Greta. Schlossberg who was the co-founder (along with her late husband, Fred) of Castle Food. The specialty food distributor counted Giant, Food-O-Rama and other independent operators along the East Coast as its customers. The Schlossberg family sold the Castle Food Corporation to Sterling Investment Partners in 1987. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Ahavas Yisrael Charity Fund, c/o Janine Chapman, 2723 Woodcourt Road, Baltimore, MD 21209.
And finally, I would like to say cheers to Four Seasons Produce on its 40th anniversary in the industry, which is commemorated in a special pull-out section in this month’s issues of Food World and Food Trade News. The company has seen significant growth from its humble beginnings in a 5,000 square foot warehouse in Denver, PA. It has become a dynamic leader in the world of produce, most notably in organics, while still maintaining the family and culture that has made it an enviable workplace. Congrats, Four Seasons – here’s to many more years of success!
Till next month…
