Gourmet News

Southeastern Grocers Raises Funds for Children’s Hospitals

Published April 24, 2023

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is collaborating with nine Southeast children’s hospitals to raise essential funds in support of the pediatric care facilities specialized and emergency services that provide critical care for local children and their families every day.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 2 million children and adolescents are admitted to hospitals in the United States each year. To support these vital community resources, through April 25, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers are encouraged to donate $1, $5 or round up their total grocery bill while shopping at their neighborhood stores. All donations made during the program will support the local children’s hospital partner and aid young patients and their families as they work towards healing and recovery.

Raymond Rhee, chief people officer for Southeastern Grocers, said, “At Southeastern Grocers, we are dedicated to giving back to our local communities and believe every child deserves access to the best possible care. We are proud to join like-minded individuals to make a significant impact in the lives of local children with this initiative. Our heartfelt hope is that, together, we can make a meaningful difference and support the invaluable work of these remarkable hospitals.”

The contributions collected during SEG’s community donation program will be donated directly to the following nine children’s hospitals to support each facility’s pediatric specialty programs, family centered support, therapeutic activities, research, child advocacy and other vital programs:

Wolfson Children’s Hospital (Jacksonville)
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (Orlando)
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida (Fort Myers)
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg)
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Miami)
Studer Family Children’s Hospital (Pensacola)
Children’s of Alabama (Birmingham, Alabama)
Children’s of Mississippi (Gulfport, Mississippi)
Ochsner Hospital for Children (New Orleans)

Since the program’s inception in 2021, SEG has raised more than $858,000 for its children’s hospital partners and remains committed to providing ongoing support to deserving hospitals in the communities it serves.

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HelloFresh Launches ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’-Themed Treats

Published April 24, 2023

HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit company, has teamed up with Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” in theaters May 5, to bring out-of-this-world flavors and recipes to kitchens across the galaxy. With the launch of a new limited-edition Guardians Recipe Adventure series and Guardians Snack Adventure kit, HelloFresh customers and Guardians of the Galaxy fans can enjoy recipes inspired by the film.

For the first time, Guardians fans across America can create HelloFresh versions of two tasty intergalactic snacks, Zarg Nut Bites and Mango Milky Fizz, with the new Guardians Snack Adventure kit. Inspired by the space-worthy snacks found on Knowhere, the Guardians new headquarters, these snacks feature:

Zarg Nut Bites – Crushed pretzels, salted cashews, sweet Thai chili sauce, and chocolate chips come together for a salty, crunchy snack with a bit of sweet heat.
Mango Milky Fizz – This otherworldly drink features apricot jam, coconut milk, seltzer, and mango bits for bubbly and subtly sweet drink. Pairs nicely with Zarg Nut Bites.

Each Guardians Snack Adventure kit includes pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipe cards to make two servings of Zarg Nut Bites and Mango Milky Fizz at home. In addition, the Snack Adventure kit also comes with collectible milk cartons and a jar—complete with cosmic designs straight out of Knowhere — to keep these snacks from getting mixed up with Earthly foods when stored in the pantry or fridge.

Consumers can claim the limited-edition Guardians Snack Adventure kit by visiting www.HelloFreshAdventure.com. Additional Guardians Snack Adventure kits will become available the following two weeks on Monday, April 24, and Monday, May 1, at 12 PM EST. All Guardians Snack Adventure kits are available to claim on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last and without a HelloFresh subscription.

“At HelloFresh, we know that our customers like to get adventurous with their cooking, which is why we’re excited to bring the out-of-this-world flavors inspired by Marvel Studios’ ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ straight to their kitchens,” said Kirsten Walpert, VP of Brand and Creative, HelloFresh US. “This fun new collaboration demonstrates how home cooking with friends and loved ones can be an exciting adventure and a memorable bonding experience that you can enjoy with your given or ‘chosen family.’”

HelloFresh is also introducing six meals through an exclusive Guardians Adventure recipes series, each themed to members of the beloved band of galactic misfits. Designed to be enjoyed with either your given or “chosen family,” each hero-inspired meal takes home cooks on a flavorful adventure. Recipes are available now to HelloFresh customers and include:

In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

The film stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova.

James Gunn is the director and also wrote the screenplay. Kevin Feige produces with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Nikolas Korda, Simon Hatt and Sara Smith serving as executive producers. Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” opens in U.S. theaters on May 5.

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California Avocado Season Under Way

Published April 24, 2023

The California Avocado Commission announces the kickoff to the 2023 season with fresh, delicious fruit available now through summer. From smoothies and salads to dips and desserts, California avocados are packed with flavor and nutrients, and are a versatile staple in any diet.

In celebration of the new season, CAC encourages consumers to experience all that California avocados have to offer, while sharing some knowledge along the way. Ever wonder when, where and how to shop for California avocados? Curious about the best way to cut an avocado? To ensure you make the most of this delicious fruit, CAC is rounding up the top five things to know about California avocados so you’re prepared all season long:

Although you may see avocados in stores all year round, it’s important to know that California avocados are only available from spring through summer
Look for California on the label to ensure you’re enjoying locally grown California avocados. And if you can’t find conventionally grown California avocados, don’t forget to check the organic section!
Locally grown California avocados are cared for by about 3,000 growers and picked at their peak, resulting in fruit that is consistent in taste and texture. Since they are grown close to home, California avocados go from tree to table in just a few days
California avocados are a sodium- and cholesterol-free heart-healthy superfood. The greatest concentration of beneficial carotenoids is in the dark green fruit of the avocado closest to the peel. To get to the heart-healthy nutrient-dense fruit directly under the peel, peel the skin from the avocado, instead of scooping. Learn more about CAC’s “nick and peel” method here
From smoothies and salads to dips and desserts, CAC’s website offers unlimited access to unique and versatile recipes featuring in-season California avocados, such as this Dungeness Crab Stuffed California Avocado recipe and this Strawberry, Watermelon, Avocado and Mint Smoothie recipe, perfect for the warmer months

“We’re all pros when it comes to eating avocados, but knowing where to find California avocados and understanding the benefits of buying local are the first steps to a consistent experience,” said Terry Splane, vice president of marketing of the commission. “We hope you find these tips helpful the next time you’re shopping for California avocados, and we encourage you to take advantage of fresh, in-season California avocados to help elevate every meal for any occasion.”

For additional tips and tricks, delicious seasonal recipes, avocado nutrition and more, California avocado enthusiasts can visit CaliforniaAvocado.com, and follow along on Facebook at Facebook.com/CaliforniaAvocados, and on Twitter and Instagram at @CA_Avocados.

Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to enhance the premium positioning of California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities. California avocados are cultivated with uncompromising dedication to quality and freshness, by about 3,000 growers in the Golden State. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry. Visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.

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