According to the most recent “Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey News Release” from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings in the U.S. was approximately 9.2 million at the end of May. While that number has decreased slightly since it hit an all-time high in April of 9.3 million, it still helps illustrate the difficulty that employers are having in finding enough workers to fill job vacancies. Therefore, now more than ever, it is imperative that companies retain the good employees they already have. In warehouse and delivery work, however, both of which can be physically grueling and unforgiving at times, it can be easier said than done. Statistics reported by the BLS show that private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019 and more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, with back injuries accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. The CDC also reported that back pain is the most prevalent work-related health problem. Burdened with not enough workers and with exceedingly high turnover rates, companies are looking for ways that they can offset these issues. One such possible solution to help counter work place injuries in warehouse and delivery settings is a new type of wearable robotic technology that workers wear like a backpack to help ameliorate the strain of lifting heavy objects all day. Verve Motion, a startup launched in 2020, integrates robotics into functional apparel. The Cambridge, MA-based company claims that its inaugural product called SafeLift can reduce back strain caused by regular lifting during a typical workday by 30 to 40 percent, offering relief to workers while at the same time not restricting their movements. The battery-powered exoskeleton (which has 12+ hours of battery life) is a software-enabled wearable solution that combines real-time movement sensing with robotic assistance, in a comfortable and ergonomic form factor to empower and protect industrial workers. It adapts to worker tasks, movement and speed and assists only when needed. The technology is also connected to the cloud and AI-enabled, for providing automated ergonomics analytics that give industrial leaders valuable insights to enhance the safety of their workforce.
“Our mission is to advance worker safety and well-being by creating the next generation of wearable technology. This new round of funding will fuel the continued development of our solution and scale operations to meet the growing demand for our product in order to get it to the workers who need it most right now,” said Ignacio Galiana, co-founder and CEO of Verve Motion.
The company just announced that it has raised $15 million in Series A funding after recently completing a successful pilot program with Ahold Delhaize’s ADUSA Supply Chain network which will be scaled up to include more than 250 suits in the retailer’s affiliated distribution centers.
“Selecting product in a distribution center is very physical work, and not only is it very physical, but it’s also critical,” said Chris Lewis, president, ADUSA Supply Chain. “The associates in grocery distribution centers are nothing short of superheroes who keep product flowing through the supply chain to physical and digital store shelves and ultimately to consumers’ tables. This has never been further demonstrated than during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re proud to pilot solutions like this one that enable us and our partners to care for the workforce in distribution centers by helping associates reduce fatigue, work more effectively and reduce the likelihood of injuries.”
Another notable example of a growing industry startup utilizing AI technology but with a completely different purpose is NotCo, a Chilean food tech company producing plant-based alternatives to animal-based food products. The manufacturer, which is Latin America’s fastest growing food company, utilizes machine learning to replicate dairy products in plant-based forms. According to an article in The Washington Post, NotCo company scientists developed artificial-intelligence technology to find plants that could function like cow’s milk at a molecular level. The end result is a product called NotMilk which uses more than a dozen ingredients, including pineapple, cabbage, chicory root fiber, coconut oil and pea protein, to make what it claims is” a vegan milk that can taste, cook and froth like cow’s milk” while at the same time “making them delicious enough for omnivores, but with a lower carbon footprint than dairy.” With the demand for more plant-based options increasing every day, especially products that more closely resemble their OG non-vegan counterparts, and with a good price point, it is no wonder that this product is doing well at Whole Foods and is now eyeing expansion into Canada and Mexico.
While we are on the topic of milk, Safeway Mid-Atlantic partnered with Feeding America – the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization –for National Dairy Month to help combat childhood hunger through this year’s Great American Milk Drive. Milk is one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks. However, it can be difficult to meet the demand with the 46 million Americans who traditionally rely on Feeding America typically receiving less than one gallon of milk per person per year.
“Milk is the top food source for calcium, potassium and vitamin D, three of the four nutrients which are most likely to be missing in the American diet,” said Liz Jalkiewicz, RDN, LDN, nutrition specialist for American Dairy Association North East. “And the reality is, it’s tough for kids to get these important nutrients when they don’t have access to milk.”
The fundraiser collected $122,817 in customer donations.
“Safeway is pleased to provide nutrient-rich milk to families facing hunger, in order to help power the growth and learning of children in our communities,” said Jim Perkins, Safeway Mid-Atlantic division president. “We are pleased to deliver 32,000 gallons of fresh milk to our local food banks, which is needed now more than ever. We are grateful to our Safeway customers for their generosity and support.”
Also supporting Feeding America in June was Publix, with the retailer teaming up once again with the Healthy Family Project’s Produce for Kids for its bi-annual Publix Produce for Kids cause-marketing campaign which centered around better-choice eating and consumption of produce while raising funds for the non-profit’s area food bank partners. To help inspire shoppers to enjoy fresh produce from the dozen produce partners that took part in the campaign, newly designed signage was positioned near their products in more than 1,200 Publix locations. The displays featured QR codes leading consumers to a downloadable eCookbook featuring recipes, details on each partner, and a new section that showcases the sustainable practices of each supplier. The campaign ended June 16 with 12 produce partners coming together to provide 700,000 meals to 32 Feeding America member food banks in the Publix market area.
“At Publix, we recognize the importance of helping families achieve their wellness goals through innovative campaigns and programs,” said Dwaine Stevens, Publix director of community relations. “Giving back to our local communities is at the core of our company culture, and we are proud to collaborate with Healthy Family Project for the Produce for Kids campaign.”
And speaking of produce, Giant Food just launched the sale of Local Produce Boxes featuring locally sourced, in-season produce online through Giant Delivers. The boxes, which retail for $20 and will contain six or more unique items from local farms in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware, are available throughout the summer without a subscription or commitment. These boxes are part of Giant’s 2021 goal to work with 20 new farms in Maryland and 70 new farms in Virginia to help increase food traceability and transparency and make healthy, locally sourced foods accessible for customers. Items will vary weekly depending on farm harvests and what is in season and customers can view local produce seasonality in a calendar on GiantFood.com.
Finally, before I sign off for July, far too many congratulations are in order this month as Bob Bennett of Giant Food, Wayne Bailey of Weis Markets, Ed Burda of Utz, and Bill de Brauwere of Crossmark have all recently hung up their industry hats to enjoy life outside of the grocery world. I feel blessed that I was able to engage with each and every one of you in different capacities over the years and I wish you all nothing but the best as you move on to your next adventures. Happy Retirement!
Until next month…
Karen can be contacted via email at: karen@foodtradenews.com
