Big food companies are trying to reverse the curse of the center aisle

As shoppers buy more fresh foods, legacy packaged food companies' sales are suffering. Large food and meat companies in the S&P 500 have seen stock prices fall more than 11 percent in the last year, while the index overall has gained nearly 14 percent. Analysts expect to continue seeing high M&A activity in the industry, with companies acquiring promising young healthy brands and divesting brands that aren't working. Read more at CNBC...

U.S. lawmaker calls for hearing on Amazon's Whole Foods deal

U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), who sits on the House of Representatives' antitrust subcommittee, is calling for a closer look at Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods—its largest buy yet. "Amazon’s proposed purchase of Whole Foods could impact neighborhood grocery stores and hardworking consumers across America," he said in a statement. "Congress has a responsibility to fully scrutinize this merger before it goes ahead." Read more at Reuters...

General Mills rolls out fiscal 2018 strategy

The company's plans for turning around two years of struggling sales include growing cereals globally and expanding its ice cream, yogurt and snack bar offerings. It also plans to invest in "wellness campaigns." Read more at Twin Cities Business...

This new meal kit app is like a Blue Apron for low-income families

Anti-hunger nonprofit Feeding Children Everywhere is offering a new service called Fed 40 to low-income families. It offers families the ability to apply for healthy meal bases delivered to their doors for free. Read more at Mashable...

Tahoe Trail Bar awarded Whole Foods entrepreneur grant

One of the newest recipients of Whole Foods Market's Local Producer Grant Program is Tahoe Trail Bar, a California company that makes vegan snack bars geared toward outdoor enthusiasts. The brand plans to use the grant to purse non-GMO verification and more demo support. Read more at Northern Nevada Business Weekly...