Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary this year, on the exact same date as the first Earth Day in 1970. The first Earth Day was a result of growing public concern over environmental issues, fueled by events during the 1960s. U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, inspired by anti-war college campus teach-ins, proposed the idea of a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970. An estimated 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day, (I was one of them) making it the largest political demonstration in U.S. history up to that point. What has been accomplished since 1970? Earth Day led to the creation of the EPA in December 1970 and the passage of important environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Earth Day 1970 is widely regarded as the birth of the modern environmental movement in the United States. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future. What are you doing this Earth Day to make our planet a better place to live?
In March, our good friends at Dietz & Watson announced what they are doing to secure a sustainable future: they put in place a 15-year renewable supply agreement with clean energy producer Constellation for the purchase of renewable electricity equivalent to the energy use of their Philadelphia and Baltimore facilities. Backed by Dietz & Watson’s long-term commitment, Constellation has entered into a separate long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) to procure 20 megawatts of energy from Mammoth Central 1, one half of the third and final phase of Doral Renewables’ Mammoth Solar project in Indiana. “We value the health of our surroundings and our environment,” said Louis Eni, CEO of Dietz & Watson. “If our decisions can help improve the world in which we live and work, we will do it. That is why we have taken this step in the right direction and made the decision for our facilities to work with Constellation on this renewable energy program.”
Retailers in our market have embraced Earth Month, each in their own way. ShopRite stores are marking Earth Month by introducing an “Earth Month Challenge” encouraging ShopRite associates to reduce their store’s environmental impact and help communities served by their stores. The friendly competition, taking place throughout April, challenges ShopRite stores to explore new ways to help the environment. From cleaning up local parks, planting trees and flowers or educating shoppers about sustainability best practices, ShopRite associates are doing their part during Earth Month to protect the planet through local action. The top three stores that take the most actionable steps this April to reduce their environmental impact will be recognized with special store celebrations. “At ShopRite, we believe it’s important to treat every day like Earth Day. Our family-owned stores remain committed to championing new ways to protect the environment and make our communities more sustainable,” said Alexandra Emery, manager of sustainability and corporate social responsibility for ShopRite. For over 50 years, ShopRite has supported and advanced a wide range of initiatives to reduce food waste, boost recycling and increase energy efficiency including supporting conservation groups; reducing energy consumption; rolling out EV charging stations; and creating Associate Green Teams with over 150 stores participating!
Wegmans took their sustainability efforts – aptly called “Do More Good” – to their customers during this Earth Month. Stationed at the store entrances, associates offered cupcakes to customers so they would stop to hear all the sustainability efforts Wegmans is putting forth and how each person can do even one small thing to improve the environment. Wegmans presented it as their four pillars of sustainability: More Waste Reduction where they actively contribute through donations to food banks and farms, implement composting initiatives, and continuously explore new recycling programs such as waxed cardboard recycling; More Sustainable Packaging where they prioritize reducing plastic usage and opt for packaging crafted from renewable or recycled materials, effectively conserving resources; More Sustainable Growing – at the Wegmans Organic Farm & Orchard, they’ve cultivated a thriving center of sustainability, embodying the essence of organics and regenerative agriculture; and the last pillar, More Responsible Sourcing where they the focus is on sourcing from farms and suppliers near Wegmans stores to minimize food miles, employ CNG and electric vehicles to decrease diesel usage, and prioritize energy efficiency across operations in order to reduce their carbon footprint. All of these behind the scenes activities by the retailers show their commitment to making our planet a better place to live. Happy Earth Day!
So, it’s getting to be show season, and Eco Tensil has a few ways to help you be more conscious about your product sampling. Replace plastic (or bio-plastic) utensils with wood or paper. Virtually all plant-based plastic utensils end up in landfills. Look for the FSC, PEFC, or SFC icons to ensure paper is sourced from sustainably managed forests. Use compostable paper or fiber sampling cups, plates or parchment, then collect waste, including food, in one compostable bin. Eliminate the cup (and save some money) by plating directly on an EcoTaster. Label a trash bin by your sampling station “compostable only please” in big letters. This also demonstrates good sustainability goals to customers! Since 2010, Eco Tensil’s sturdy utensils have been made from silky smooth plastic-free, compostable and recyclable paperboard. They offer a much more pleasing taste experience than wood utensils, for the most delicious samples. They’re awesome.
The Giant Company opened its new Jenkintown store on April 4. “While we have had a presence in Montgomery County for decades, this marks the first Giant in Jenkintown,” said John Ruane, president, The Giant Company. “Customers can expect the freshness, value and quality that Giant is known for, combined with brand new offerings, increased product variety, and plenty of fresh ideas no matter what type of meal or celebration they are shopping for.” In addition, Dave Flanigan, a 32-year grocery veteran, has been appointed store manager of the newest Giant “No matter how customers choose to shop with us, the entire store team is excited to bring the Giant shopping experience to the Jenkintown community,” said Flanigan. “We have a lot of variety throughout the store to serve the grocery needs of our neighbors, including a strong focus on natural and organics, Kosher products, and plenty of grab-and-go options.” Congratulations, TGC!
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) is just a few weeks away in New Orleans and this year’s lineup of guest speakers has been announced. Leading the pack of the star-studded IDDBA 2025 speaker lineup is Academy Award-winning director, producer, and actor Kevin Costner. Other speakers include Emmy winner, Super Bowl champion and Peabody award winning journalist Michael Strahan and Emmy Award winning cohost of The Chew and Food Network star and host Carla Hall. For more information or to register, please visit iddba.org.
Heaven gained a couple of angels this past month. Dave Daltry, retired from Kelchner’s, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on April 1. He was a jovial guy, always quick to share his joy for life, music, food, and family. Dave turned his passion for food into a career. He began working at Habersett, helping to make that famous scrapple at an early age. With his natural cheer and a gift for gab, Dave was destined for sales and was promoted to sales manager at Habersett. His career then took him to Kraft Foods and later Kelchner Food Products until his retirement in 2022. A lifelong musician, he developed a passion for playing the drums at an early age. He began playing professionally in high school, in clubs throughout Philadelphia. Dave loved jazz and continued his playing career until his death as a proud member of many bands, including the Knights of Columbus Band and the  Legends of Delaware County Band. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Donna, children Josh (Stacy), Nate and Rachel; five grandchildren, and many relatives and friends. The family asks that any donations be made in Dave’s memory to a local dog rescue of your choice. Rest in peace, my old friend. You will be missed.
Vance Grozier, retired from the snack business, passed away on March 19, at the age of 64.  He was a salesman for Herr’s Potato Chips and Snyder’s of Hanover and was a member of the Mid-Atlantic Food Trade Organization. Vance was an avid Penn State football fan, enjoyed music, and enjoyed collecting and playing pinball machines. He was an avid collector and expert on model trains (Vance was my go-to guy for all train related questions). Predeceased by his daughter Carly and brothers Robert and David. Vance is survived by his children Connor, Jason (Amanda), Matthew (Lauren), Sean (Heather) and Kenneth; four grandchildren; his sister Laurie Miller (Jeffrey), and many nieces and nephews. Vance’s family requests that donation in his memory be made to www.carlyscause-usa.org Vance, I hope you are reunited with Carly in the place where pain and illness no longer exist.
The circle of life continues as we welcome little Miss Charlotte Quinn Weaver, born on March 4 to Seth and Samantha Weaver of Weaver’s of Wellsville. Everyone is thriving but just a bit sleep deprived. Baby Charlotte was welcomed into the family by her new best friend, Tito the dog. Grandpa Craig Weaver was also delighted to welcome his fifth grandchild into the potential sixth generation of their family business. Congratulations!
It’s that time of year…the Food Trade News Market Study will be published in June. It is widely used in the industry and available online at foodtradenews.com throughout the year. Advertising in the Market Study is a great way to share your story. Space reservation deadlines are approaching quickly. To participate, please contact me at [email protected].
Celebrating another trip around the sun this month are: David Zallie, Zallie Family Markets; Lou Eni Jr., Dietz & Watson; Ed Herr, Herr Foods; Theresa Lowden, JOH Produce; Ron Benjamin, Affinity Group; and Scott Vicari, Clark Printing. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each.” Henry David Thoreau
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172.
