Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a touch of savory smokiness, making them even more irresistible! Plus, because their flavor is enhanced by the magic of grilling, there’s very little prep work needed to grill up something everyone will love. Some of the best side dishes are simple to make, leaving you with more time to enjoy the summer with your family and friends.

They call it the Parker Promise. It is the oath, made decades ago by company officials, that Parker Farms, now a third-generation family-owned-and-operated business, is dedicated to creating solutions for its customers produce and logistic needs, while also generating extraordinary value for its growers and providing a dynamic, challenging and rewarding workplace for its employees.

That promise is still the engine that keeps this Oak Grove, Va.-based company operating on all cylinders and giving its growers and customers the consistency they need and demand.

The Michigan Apple Committee engages in marketing, research, education and communications for the benefit of Michigan’s apple growers.

“Our mission is to enhance the reputation of Michigan Apples, improve their share of sales in target markets and aid the profitability and sustainability of Michigan’s apple industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “We work in the areas of consumer education, research, market development, and communications with the primary goal to help Michigan Apple growers be successful in their businesses.”

Whole Foods Market opened its new 47,000-square-foot store June 28 at 8 a.m. in the historic Walter Reed development, located on the corner of 12th St. NW and Dahlia St. NW. The new location’s product assortment features more than 800 local items, sourced with the help of Daniela D’Ambrosio, local forager for Whole Foods Market.

Hundreds of Wakefern Food Corp. associates returned to the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games at The College of New Jersey to volunteer and support the athletes and their families. ShopRite and Wakefern have been proud sponsors of Special Olympics New Jersey for more than 30 years, providing meals, activities and volunteer contributions annually.

Share the sweet flavors of Washington grown organic stone fruit with shoppers this summer with Stemilt Artisan Organics peaches, nectarines and apricots. Apricot harvest began this week to signal the start of Stemilt’s lengthy organic stone fruit season. Picked for high sugars and explosive flavor, Stemilt’s 100 percent organic stone fruit provides a delightful eating experience for consumers during the summer.