Bison bars were supposed to restore Native communities and grass-based ranches. Then came Epic Provisions.

The fusion of protein bar and jerky snack that defines Epic Provisions’ brand wasn’t, in fact, the first of its kind, as many profiles on the company would have readers believe. The first commerical bar to combine meat with superfoods was modeled after traditional food eaten in the Great Plains by Native Americans for hundreds of years, and it sprang from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Its purpose was to help reduce the unemployment rate of the reservation by sourcing and producing the bars locally, as well as to “restore the buffalo’s place in the lives of the Oglala Lakota people.”  Read more at New Food Economy ...

Dairy issue nags as US, Canada prepare to sign trade pact

U.S. objections to Canada’s protected internal market for dairy products remains a problem as the two countries prepare to sign a revised North American trade pact this upcoming week. President Trump has “repeatedly demanded concessions on dairy and accused Canada of hurting U.S. farmers with high tariffs.” Read more at Reuters  …

The FDA thinks Walmart may have one solution to romaine lettuce recalls

Walmart’s knowledge of blockchain technology may be the widespread solution needed to prevent untraceable foodborne illness outbreaks. While some suppliers have not digitized their records as of yet, this technology would save health officials “days or even weeks of traceback work, and could get more specific warnings out to consumers faster.” Read more at NBC News …

New archive reveals how the food industry mimics big tobacco to suppress science and shape public opinion

The recently established University of California at San Francisco Food Industry Documents archive showcases internal memos, consulting notes and public relations and research funding strategies that altogether make a solid case for disallowing the food industry to “come to the table on policy discussions.” The trajectory of, for example, the sugar industry has largely followed that of once-popular tobacco companies; through pumping obscene amounts of money into studies that cast doubt on the link between sugar consumption and disease, consumers remain confused and public health crises are inevitable. Read more at Civil Eats …

It’s now cheaper to order Whole Foods delivery on Instacart than on Amazon

When it comes to shopping at Whole Foods, Instacart’s delivery charges may trump those of Amazon. Prices have been slashed to $99 from $149 per year for the Express membership, and Non-Express delivery fee charges have been reduced from $5.99 to $3.99. These changes, which were rolled out on November 14, make Instacart a contender once again for consumers wishing to order grocery delivery from Whole Foods. Read more at Business Insider …