Some Good Grocery News

In these challenging and uncertain times, we all need a reason to smile. With a nod to actor John Krasinski’s SGN (Some Good News), WGB presents five good things that happened in grocery this week.

1. Social Connecting With Kroger

Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen has said one of the retailer's opportunities during the pandemic is to "try and make sure people fall in love with eating as a family again." 

To that end, the Cincinnati-based retailer is encouraging shut-in shoppers to make time to have fun with their food. This weekend, Kroger is promoting the first of what will be a series of weekly "Social Social" events, which will connect homebound consumers to the brand, and its products—specifically, its own-brand ice creams—through social media. 

Participants are encouraged to shop for the week's themed ingredients and check into the retailer's newly launched Social Social Facebook page.  From there they can receive a free digital kit to plan their own ice cream social, including recipes, activities like games and coloring sheets, and invitations to share with friends. The virtual event is scheduled for May 2 from 4-6 p.m. Kroger is encouraging shoppers to share their photos and experiences with the #Krogersocialsocial hashtag, and hopefully, gain converts to its private brands who'll continue to have fun when this is all over.

2. Harris Teeter Donates 640,000 Pounds of Goodness

Harris Teeter, with the assistance of select vendors, have banded together to donate 640,000 pounds of much-needed protein and fresh produce to help feed needy community members amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 20 truckloads carrying more than 534,000 meals were distributed to local food banks in Harris Teeter’s operating areas.

The grocer’s meat suppliers, Sanderson Farms and Tyson, as well as produce suppliers Sol Melons, Ayco Farms Inc., New York Apples, Washington Fruit & Produce Co., Seald Sweet International, Pacific Trellis Fruit and California Giant Berry Farms, joined forces for the food bank donations aimed at helping families within its communities, especially children, seniors and veterans, alleviate food insecurity.

“Harris Teeter is committed to being there for our communities when they need us most,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for the Matthews, N.C.-based regional retailer. “Our retail heroes are working hard to provide our shoppers with the items they need most, but we also know many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity. With the support of our generous partners, these donations will provide relief to our food bank partners working around the clock to address the increased need for emergency food.” 

3. Smart & Final’s Comforting Freebie

While single-use plastic bags have been banned at numerous retailers since early this year, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the reintroduction of plastic sacks due to cleanliness concerns surrounding reusable totes.

Smart & Final of Los Angeles has come up with a solution. To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the retailer is providing single-use T-shirt bags free of charge. Alternatively, customers can bag their own groceries using their reusable bags.

4. Breakfast in Bed With Central Market

Central Market thinks Mom should be treated like a queen at home this year. The San Antonio-based grocer is offering new preorder curbside Mother’s Day meal and gift options. Options include ready-to-eat meals, heat-and-serve meals, meal kits, beautifully decorated cakes, boxed chocolates, bouquets and—what is sure to be a hit—Breakfast in Bed. The $15.99 to-go meal includes a small cheese quiche, small mixed berries, mini scones and strawberry jam, and orange juice.

5. Action-Packed Grocery and Delivery Workers

Move over Batman, there’s a new hero in town. In a timely tribute to healthcare and essential workers, Mattel has launched a new line of Thank You Heroes action figures that include delivery people and a grocery clerk. The Thank You Heroes collection also includes nurses, doctors and EMTs. For younger consumers, Mattel has created a Little People Community Champions figure set from Fisher-Price, which features five community helpers, including a doctor, a nurse, an emergency medical technician, a delivery driver and a grocery store worker.

“Each of these community champions work hard every day to help us stay healthy, safe and stocked with everything we need,” said Mattel.

Beginning April 29 through May 31, $15 from each online purchase of this figure set will be donated by Mattel to The Entertainment Industry Foundation, in support of #FirstRespondersFirst, a fund dedicated to providing essential supplies, equipment and resources for protecting front-line healthcare workers and their families.