Mackey: Whole Foods set free by Amazon acquisition

Prior to its acquisition, Whole Foods Market was in what John Mackey called a “whole paycheck” trap. At SNAC International’s Executive Leadership Forum earlier this month, he said the retailer’s association with Amazon would set it free from that reputation. And despite all of the media attention on the deal and its potential to reshape the food industry, he noted that neither Whole Foods nor Amazon had talked to the media. “We still haven’t said anything except that we lowered prices,” he said, continuing later, “We’re going to do some amazing things.” Read more at Food Business News…

Why this CEO is not taking a salary for his latest company

The founder of Zico coconut water, which was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2013, is out to make a bigger statement with his new role as CEO at Beanfields Snacks. Mark Rampolla invested in Beanfields as an angel investor years ago but wanted a bigger role. In partnership with CPG investor Bruce Friedman, he created a new investment entity and acquired a controlling interest in Beanfields. Under their model, investors and the company give some of their earnings to the Los Angeles nonprofit Homeboy Industries. Read more at Forbes…

After queso backlash, Chipotle could learn a thing from General Mills and Trix

After resisting consumer demand for a queso dip for years, Chipotle finally developed a version that met its Food with Integrity standards earlier this year. Unfortunately, consumer response has not been good. General Mills faced a similar outcry when it took the artificial ingredients out of its Trix cereal. Are their efforts worthwhile? Read more at Madison.com…

Why paying for nutrition saves money on health care

The most prevalent and expensive epidemics of our time are closely tied to unhealthy eating patterns. That's why food policy experts say cuts to the SNAP program could be devastating. Read more at Time...

2017 Equator Prize winner empowering women for widespread sustainable change

The U.N. Development Program’s 2017 Equator Prize recognizes communities across Africa, Asia and Latin America that protect, restore and sustainably manage nature. A grassroots women-led initiative in Maharashtra, India, called Swayam Shikshan Prayog, won for its efforts to train women in low-input, efficient and sustainable farming techniques. Read more at Food Tank…