“We are extremely excited about our new microwavable vegetable line,” said Sam Tedesco, a partner and the vice president of Safeway Group, headquartered in Vineland, NJ. “This line is all about fresh quality ingredients and delicious flavors that are cooked to perfection. Lightly dressed with olive oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper, the veggies natural flavor is about letting simplicity shine through in nutritious fast food.”

“During the past few months we have launched a tropicals line of fruits and vegetables,” Matthew D’Arrigo, vice president of D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York Inc., located at the Hunts Point Produce Market, told The Produce News. “The line is comprised of many of the items that are in high demand by ethnic groups and even foodservice operations today. To mention just a few, the line includes plantains, chayote and yucca.

This will be a special summer as retailers and consumers alike celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner and the nation's heritage and culture. "We will stitch together a colorful patchwork of summertime Americana that includes picnics, parades and patriotic motifs," said Stephanie Barlow, director of public relations and social media for the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Hy-Vee Homefront, Hy-Vee’s veteran support initiative, held its latest Round Up event in all of its stores May 23-26. Customers will be able to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar amount, or more if they choose, with the additional amount going in full to Hy-Vee Homefront. The Homefront Round Up funds help support three veterans organizations: Puppy Jake Foundation, Hope For The Warriors and Operation First Response.

For the third year in a row, in honor of Flag Day, Big Y is collecting worn, torn, faded or badly soiled American flags for proper retirement. Big Y is working with local Boy Scouts, American Legions, VFW's and military organizations to properly retire the collected flags.

Ralphs and other Kroger-family stores, together with customers, employees and vendors, will provide $2.3 million to support the USO's broad range of programs that assist service members and their families. Since 2010, The Kroger Co., of which Ralphs is a division, has provided more than $8.5 million to support the USO, one of the largest cumulative gifts to the USO in the organization's history.