The Senate’s approval of a $1.9 billion relief bill that includes nearly $29 billion in coronavirus recovery funding for restaurants resoundingly resonated with readers this week, pushing the story to the top spot in the Top 10 list. The House has since passed the bill, dubbed the American Rescue Plan, and President Joe Biden signed it into law on Thursday.
In other government-related food news, the USDA this week extended a federal waiver program to continue providing free curbside meals for students and their families.
On the retail front, Target’s planned launch of a new private-label food and beverage line next month proved popular with readers. The Favorite Day line will include upwards of 700 items including snacks, sweets and drink mixers aimed at providing customers with a feeling of indulgence. The line will roll out as Target phases out two other private-label lines, Archer Farms and Simply Balanced.
Also in retail this week, Kroger made news with the fulfillment of its first order in its new Ocado-powered warehouse, H.E. Butt Grocery outlined growth plans for the year and Walmart has begun sharing free samples in Walmart+ orders to introduce members to new products.
The practice is part of a larger effort by CPG brands to introduce new products to consumers in the absence of in-store sampling. Other popular CPG stories this week include the unveiling of Ferrero’s Easter products and online activities for spring.
Read the entire Top 10:
- Senate approves $28.6B for restaurants in relief bill
- Target rolls out indulgent new food and beverage line
- USDA extends free school meals until Sept. 30
- H-E-B exec says grocer’s growth will continue this year
- Kroger rolls out first Ocado-powered online order
- Walmart takes grocery samples from in-store to curbside
- Ferrero rolls out Easter lineup, seasonal activity hub
- N.D. districts test leftover food program
- SNA seeks growth of universal, free school meals
- Hershey, Kraft Heinz dessert brand hits shelves
Related stories:
- Is the plant-based seafood industry swimming upstream?
- Behind the growth in the dietary supplement, vitamin market
- SmartSummit: The plant-based movement is here to stay
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