‘Tis the season for the sniffles, thermometers and canceled plans. The flu season in America has reached unprecedented highs, arriving earlier than anticipated, making the holidays far from merry and bright for some. With the quick onset of the flu, a nationwide shortage of nearly 260 drugs used to treat influenza, respiratory infections and COVID-19 are noticeably absent from pharmacies right now. The empty store shelves are causing consumer panic, as children’s over-the-counter pain- and fever-reducing medications are scarce.

Weis Markets recently donated $275,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as part of its year-round Fight Hunger program. Weis store managers presented the donation during a hunger action event at the food bank’s Healthy Food Hub in Williamsport, PA. The donation will enable the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to distribute more than 1 million meals throughout the 27 counties in which it operates.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association said exhibit space for its 2023 CPMA Convention and Trade Show is sold out. The upcoming annual Convention and Trade Show will take place April 25-27 in Toronto. The event will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and will have over 600 exhibit spaces featuring more than 300 companies from around the world.

Schnuck Markets Inc. and St. Louis CITY SC announced that the new soccer club is welcoming Schnucks as its grocery partner for the upcoming season.

“As St. Louis’ hometown grocer, Schnucks is excited to welcome St. Louis CITY SC to our great sports city and proud to be a part of their inaugural season,” said Schnucks Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Bill Bradley. “We look forward to cultivating a longstanding partnership with the club and to celebrating professional soccer with CITY fans.”

Winter Sweetz, a Texas-based grapefruit brand owned by Lone Star Citrus, launched its third annual Sweeter in Texas sweepstakes to celebrate the Texas red grapefruit season.

Now through Jan. 20, Winter Sweetz is offering shoppers a chance to win one $500 gift card grand prize and a case of Texas red grapefruits valued at $35. Consumers may enter via the official sweepstakes entry form on the Winter Sweetz website.

Jane Bi has joined GLOBALG.A.P. North America as its buyer relations manager. In her new role, Bi will work to increase market recognition and acceptance of GLOBALG.A.P. products and services by promoting the range of solutions among buyers in this region.