September-October 2022 Michigan Food News

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TO ACCELERATE FRESH IN YOUR STORE PLEASE CONTACT: Make the call sooner rather than later to learn how Associated Wholesale Grocers can provide you a lower cost of goods and a real chance to compete in your marketplace today and in the future! Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., 5000 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66106 KNIGHTKEITH 615-290-6093kknight@awginc.com GUERRERODIANE diane.guerrero@262-806-1203awginc.com

Michigan Grocers Division Advisory Board

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 3

Individually, this shift looks like shopping at a few stores in your downtown, rather than ordering everything from an out-of-state retailer. See the article on page 8 for more about MRA’s recent Buy Nearby economic analysis on the impact of consumers making this switch.

This will be Lisa’s last edition as editor of the Michigan Food News. Lisa was recently named Director of Communications for the Health Care Association of Michigan. The Health Care Association of Michigan is the leading professional associa tion representing Michigan’s long-term health care providers. Please see the article on page 15 to hear from Lisa about her time serving the food retail industry. We wish Lisa all the best in her new position, and thank her for her talent and dedicated service to MRA and, in particular, the Grocers Division.

Opportunity What would happen if Michigan residents changed the way they shop, even just a little bit? Collectively, Michiganders spend $30.3 billion in out-of-state ecommerce. By changing just 1 in 10 of those out-of-state purchases to an in-state retailer, an additional $3 billion in revenue would be added to Michigan’s economy, and that’s just the beginning.

© MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS 2022Michigan Grocers is a division of the Michigan Retailers Association

William J. Hallan Publisher Lisa J. Reibsome Editor, Design & Layout, Ad Sales (517) 449-2256; LReibsome@retailers.com

Rachel Hurst Kroger Company of Michigan

Oleson’sOlesonFoodStoresThomWelchHollywoodMarkets

CraigJimH.T.DiepenhorstHackneyGohsmanSpartanNash

For a valuable snapshot of how grocers are adapting to the impacts of inflation and other industry challenges, see the article on page 9. Growth For over two decades, Lisa Reibsome has been part of the MRA and Michigan Grocers team. Lisa has grown the Mich igan Food News into what it is today — a trusted source of information for our state’s grocery industry.

President’s Message

DJ

This famous quote by Winston Churchill captures a major theme running through this issue of the Michigan Food News — change. It is also a theme that moves through all of our lives. The decision to make a change can create opportunity and challenges as well as drive personal growth.

Nick Lenzi Lipari Foods

‘To improve is to change; so to be perfect is to have changed often’

william j. hallan MRA President and Chief Executive Officer William J. Hallan, President Michigan Retailers Association

We’ll help: Our annual Buy Nearby Weekend is Oct. 7-9, and MRA will be encouraging Michiganders to shop local, and Buy Nearby. You can help, too. Head to BuyNearbyMI.com today to learn more about the weekend and get your MRA member business listed on our Buy Nearby map — a great resource for shoppers looking to keep their money in Michigan.

MRA is actively working to determine the future of the Food News. We know the information in each edition is vital to each of you, and we are committed to keeping you informed — even if the format changes. If you have questions, concerns, or comments on the future of the Food News or any other issues you are seeing on the horizon, please shoot us an email at mra@retailers.com.

Publisher does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers in business competition.

John Leppink Leppink’s Food Centers Bryan Neiman Neiman’s Family Market

Challenges One challenge retailers are experiencing is the ability to keep prices low; and while prices are going up, it’s unlikely that you are seeing your profit margin grow. While MRA can’t stop inflation, we can work with you on business solutions to help ease some of your burden. We are proud to offer credit card services at low rates along with a host of options for how you process your transactions.

Contact Jim Gohsman (1-616-878-8088) | jim.gohsman@spartannash.com or Roger Delemeester (1-989-245-0337) | roger.delemeester@spartannash.com for more information. At SpartanNash, our flagship exclusive brand, Our Family, was developed more than 115 years ago; the oldest and most well-established in the industry. The number one reason for this success and longevity is our commitment to keeping the customer first - listening, responding, performing. 2000+ SKUs currently available throughout the entire store Product quality guarantee for consumers Exclusive marketing support, including industry leading social media solutions Multi-tiered community support program Comprehensive merchandising program Associate engagement plan SCAN HERE  TO LEARN MORE

Houseman’s owner Jon Hammersley and his daughter, Gabrie Bolles, who is Baldwin’s store director.

In 2015, Jon bought the stores from the Houseman family, who founded the business. “I’m only 45 years old, and I’ve already put 32 years into the grocery business,” he says. “At 13, I was stocking shelves, bagging groceries, doing whatever was needed. I liked being in the store, and I liked earning my own money, so I worked as much as possible. But now, I have to be very careful not to overdo it, and I certainly can’t stress about work all the time.”

continued on page 6

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 5

From Houseman’s to Home West grocerMichiganfocuseson family, friends and community

BY LISA J. REIBSOME

Houseman’s

Foods owner Jon Hammersley is thankful to be alive. “In July 2019, I had a double-organ transplant that saved my life. I had my liver and kidney replaced,” he says during a tour of his 36,000 square-foot grocery store in Baldwin. He also owns a 24,000 square-foot grocery store in White Cloud, 23 miles south of Baldwin. “I’m incredibly happy to be here, to be able to keep the stores going and to keep serving the community. However, the transplant surgery has certainly slowed me down,” he shares.

Jon used to work 50 to 60 hours a week or more — for the last seven years as store owner and for 18 years before that as store director, first in White Cloud and then in Baldwin. “Before my surgery, I lived and breathed this business 24/7,” he says. “Even when I wasn’t working at one of the stores, I was always thinking about them.”

Additional destination departments Other store highlights include the bakery and deli. The bakery offers fresh-baked bread, bagels, rolls, pastries, and doughnuts. The custom-decorated cakes are also a big hit with both locals and vacationers. For quick lunch and dinner solutions, people seek out House man’s deli. “Our White Cloud store is right in town, so the deli is very popular at lunch time,” Jon says. “On the other hand, Baldwin’s deli gets a big dinner crowd. We are a crowdpleasing stop for folks on their way home each evening.”

6 SEPT/OCT 2022 MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS continued from page 5

Being able to share the workload is one reason Jon is thrilled to have his daughter, Gabrie Bolles, and son, Collin Hammers ley, join him in the business. Gabrie has worked in the stores on and off since high school and during summers while attending Central Michigan University. In 2019, she joined the business full time and is now the Baldwin store director. She says that watching her dad build lasting relationships with employees and customers while she was growing up inspired her. “I always wanted to be just like him,” she shares.

Wide customer base

What do customers pick up? “Our deli chicken is fantastic,” Jon says. “Lots of grocery stores have hot-and-ready fried and rotisserie chicken, but customers tell us that ours is real ly something special.”

Outstanding meat department

The full-service grocery store is known for its housemade products — especially its bratwursts. “From May to Septem ber, we make and sell about 5,500 pounds of brats,” says Cregg. He and his dad enjoy inventing new flavor combina tions. So far they’ve created about 20 varieties. “Bacon ched dar is the top seller; teriyaki pineapple is a close second,” he Personalizedadds. service is another hallmark of the meat de partment. “Our customers can always get the perfect cut,” Cregg says. “If someone wants an inch-thick steak or a whole chicken broken down into parts, that’s no problem.”

All in the family: Gabrie’s husband, Cregg Bolles, is the store’s meat department manager. Cregg’s dad, Doug Bolles, is the perishable foods director. “Family support and loyal employ ees are what make it all possible,” Jon says.

Located in Lake County about 75 miles north of Grand Rap ids, Baldwin is the county seat and home to approximately 900 of the county’s 11,000 residents. The area is a popular va cation spot where 30,000 people or more come each summer to camp, hunt, canoe, and fish.

Houseman’s also carries products from Lipari Foods and sources from local farms and Michigan companies “as much as possible,” Jon says.

“Houseman’s is where vacationers shop,” Jon says. “Foot traffic at the store triples in the summer.” Lake is also one of the poorest counties in Michigan, with approximately 28% of residents living below the poverty level, according to census data. “Other than the Save A Lot down the road, this is also where the locals — our friends and family — shop,” Jon adds. “We’re always looking for ways to help them get the most value for their Recently,dollars.”the store has experienced a big increase in private label sales. “We’re fortunate that SpartanNash is our main supplier because their private brand — Our Family — is top quality,” Jon says. “In fact, I’ve found that Our Family prod ucts are usually better than national brands, which is great for our customers.” Cold single-serve beverages are a popular grab-and-go item. Houseman’s is proud to offer their own label for dry rubs and spice blends.

Houseman’s is also trying a new take-and-bake pizza pro gram. “I’m putting my son in charge of that,” Jon says. “I think we’ll bake some in the store and sell it by the slice out of the hot case as a way to promote it.”

“The community we’ve built around the stores is incredible,” Jon adds. “We keep on going despite the challenges because we love serving the community. That’s what makes us who we

Both vacationers and local residents prioritize convenience, making Houseman’s breakfast meal combos big sellers.

Community support As a community-oriented grocer, Jon and his team pride themselves on giving back. One way they do that is by pro viding clean, well-maintained stores. Not long ago, the Bald win store got a new roof; and last July, the team replaced all the coffin cases with new reach-in freezer cases, “which was a huge improvement,” Gabrie says. In addition, Baldwin shoppers will soon have a freshly repainted store — both inside and Houseman’sout.isalso deeply involved in community organi zations and events. “In fact, we’re going tonight to the fair to bid at the youth livestock auction,” Gabrie shares. The business also sponsors local festivals, in particular, Troutarama — a four-day festival that brings about 10,000 visitors to Baldwin each July — as well as the Baldwin Sum mer Concert Series. “We proudly support all our schools and other local organizations,” Gabrie adds.

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 7

“Building strong relationships and a strong community is really the best part of owning small-town grocery stores,” Jon says. “That starts in the stores.”

Friendly, authentic hometown service

Since the early days, Houseman’s has had a close-knit rela tionship with its customers. “We work hard to maintain the store’s reputation for great service,” Jon says. “Even with the current labor shortage, our goal is to always go the extra mile for our shoppers.” That includes offering suggestions on how best to cook various cuts of meat, tracking down a requested product and carrying groceries out to each customer’s car. “We want this to always be a friendly, enjoyable place to shop,” Gabrie adds. When fully staffed, Houseman’s typically has 90 to 100 em ployees. “Like everyone, we’re struggling to get good workers right now,” Jon says. “Product shortages and inflation are also hurting us. Costs are crazy. We’re absorbing some of the increases to the point where we lose money on some items.”

Loyal employees are part of Houseman’s winning formula. “Many of our employees have been part of the team for 15 years or more,” he adds. “They are like family.”

Houseman’sare.” offers over 20 varieties of their signature brats made from in-house recipes. Meat Department Manager Cregg Bolles holds his favorite — pineapple teriyaki.

Baldwin Store Manager Mark Kienitz has worked at the store for 32 years. “The camaraderie among all the employees is great,” he says, when asked why he’s stayed for over three decades. “It’s a great atmosphere and a very enjoyable job,” he “Weadds.also have a great relationship with our customers,” Gabrie says. “If someone wants to say hello to my dad but can’t find him out on the floor, they just come right back here to the office to track him down. Our stores have a very welcoming, neighborly environment, and that’s due in large part to my dad.”

“Building relationshipsstrongand a strong community is really the best part of owning small-town grocery stores.”

scale, this could be an additional $3 billion in rev enue added to Michigan’s economy, and that’s just the begin ning.

Individually, this shift looks like shopping at a few stores in your downtown, rather than ordering everything from an out-of-state retailer,” says MRA President and CEO Bill Hallan.

n Contribute $2.2 billion in gross economic output ($1.9 billion in “On2021)alarge

Additional gains

The largest employment gains from a 10% shift in spending would accrue in retail industries. Adjacent industries and ser vices would also feel a positive economic impact.

n Increase Michigan employment by more than 16,000 (compared to over 14,000 in 2021)

MRA released its annual Buy Nearby economic analysis on the impact of consumers switching 10% of their spending from outof-state retailers to Michigan-based retailers. This analysis, based on year-to-date spending in 2022 and completed by Public Sector Consulting, found that if Michigan consumers redirected 10% of their estimated $30.3 billion in out-of-state ecommerce and remote sales — equivalent to about $3 billion — it would have the following impact:

MRA releases new study on how to improve Michigan’s retail economy

“Retail business are an economic driver, bringing other busi nesses into their area, creating more opportunity for both more retail and other businesses to take shape and grow,” Hallan adds. “The simple step of planning to Buy Nearby will increase revenue for our Michigan-based businesses and help grow our economy.”

n Contribute $1.2 billion in value added to the state’s economy ($968 million in 2021)

8 SEPT/OCT 2022 MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS

n Boost labor income (salary and benefits) by about $660 million ($533 million in 2021)

“As Michigan’s small businesses recover from the pandemic, face inflation head on, and continue to evolve their businesses, the least any of us can do is buy local.”

MRA created the year-round Buy Nearby campaign in 2013 to promote shopping local in Michigan. The campaign includes promoting local businesses and economic studies of the impact of shopping in Michigan.

Expenses

n Find an effective method of communication to share suggestions for substitutions for out-of-stock items.

“Slightly lower sales and compressed margins combined with rising expenses meant a year-over-year decrease in the net profit before taxes and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) ratios,” said FMS Solutions

n Consider bundling to offset the cost of items most impacted by inflation by pairing them with products that are less impact ed to create meal solutions at more reasonable prices.

The study also examined product sales by region. Across all regions, the department with the most sales was “grocery,” de fined as sales that are not part of other departments. The meat department accounted for the second highest sales, followed by the produce department in all four regions.

n Keep in mind that, while shoppers are looking to save, they are still engaging heavily in little indulgences such as buying candy and snacks.

—By Lisa J. Reibsome

n Work to maintain a favorable price/value perception to keep shoppers from diverting to value/dollar channels.

The survey authors have several recommendations for grocers:

n Consider creative approaches to promotions, such as oneday or three-day sales based on items you have in-stock.

The study found that, from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022, most independent grocers were unable to match their sales records from the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a 6.5% inflationary boost, 58% of independent grocers could not equal their 2020 sales, though many came close. As consumers remained focused on buying staples for home cooking, the center store represented the majority of store sales, accounting for nearly 61% of sales.

Marketplace NGA and FMS Solutions found that grocery shopping patterns normalized in the first half of 2021, with trips and spending coming close to pre-pandemic levels. But in the second half of 2021 and into 2022’s first quarter, disruption accelerated with new COVID-19 variants, ever-rising inflation and worsening supply chain disruption.

President and CEO Robert Graybill. “However, this was to be expected in going up against profits that rose five fold in 2020. At 3.62%, the net profit before taxes for independent operators in 2021 was the second-best result on record.”

While the 2020 sales spike was not sustainable for most grocers, the study found that one-third actually increased sales in fiscal 2021, and 9% came in around the same level.

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 9

The financial survey found that expenses rose rapidly in fiscal 2021. For comparison, the report calculated expenses as a per centage of sales, excluding pharmacy and gas sales, if present. For all survey participants, expenses rose to 28.7% of sales, which is on par with 2019 levels, with labor and benefits averag ing 15.36% of sales, followed by utilities at 1.89%.

The “2022 Independent Grocers Financial Survey,” a joint study between the National Grocers Association and FMS Solutions, surveyed 374 independent grocers, representing almost 2,000 stores. The majority of respondents (53%) came from the Mid west, followed by the South (24%), with the Northeast and West both contributing the same amount (12%).

n Communicate often and clearly when out-of-stocks occur, sharing if and when you expect items to be back in stock.

Across food and non-food items, grocers averaged a 24.3% outof-stock level, meaning almost a quarter of total inventory was typically out of stock. Out-of-stocks were a bit higher among one-store operators at 25.5% compared to multi-store indepen dents at 22.9%.

Financial survey: How did grocers do in FY 2021?

SAME-STORE SALES GROWTH FOR 374 GROCERS Increase Same Decrease 2021 33% 9% 58% 2020 100% 0% 0% 2019 56% 21% 23% 2022 Independent Grocers Financial Survey Comparison excludes sales from remodeled stores.

NGA and FMS Solutions found that, as grocery retailing remains in flux, shoppers are switching between items, sizes, brands, and stores. Sales

NGA and FMS Solutions survey documents complex year where the only constant was change

In the Midwest, a few departments ranked higher than they did nationally: Dairy sales tied produce for third, followed by frozen department sales and beer/wine/liquor sales. Beyond that, Midwestern sales distribution came close to matching the national sales ranking with deli sales coming in 6th, followed by bakery, tobacco, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmacy, floral, and finally seafood.

Tips from the survey authors

In the Midwest, labor and benefits comprised 14.78% of sales; followed by utilities at 2.12%; supplies, 1.14%; credit card fees, 1.08%; rent, 1.06%; repair/maintenance, 0.98%; depreciation, 0.91%; advertising, 0.88%; and interest at 0.28% of sales.

Government Affairs News

Another new law, PA 174 of 2022, adds organized retail crime — the theft of retail merchandise with the intent to resell or other wise distribute the stolen merchandise in exchange for anything of value — to the list of offenses that may be considered racke teering. This law gives prosecutors the ability to charge criminal organized retail crime rings with up to 20-year felonies and require forfeiture, which will help fund future investigations.

MRA applauds signing of INFORM act

10 SEPT/OCT 2022 MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS Judge temporarily stops effect of minimum wage, paid sick time ruling

Court rules civil rights law protects sexual orientation

On July 29, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Douglas Shapiro delayed the implementation of his decision to raise the minimum wage and grant additional sick time until Feb. 19, 2023. This means that the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will likely begin preparing to implement the origi nal ballot proposal laws; however, nothing has changed from an implementation or enforcement standpoint. What could change: If the decision to raise the minimum wage and grant additional sick leave ends up moving ahead, the minimum wage will increase to $12 an hour. For paid sick leave, employers will be required to grant employees one hour paid leave for every 30 hours of work up to 72 hours annually (40 hours for small businesses with fewer than 10 employees).

MRA President and CEO Bill Hallan and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Amy Drumm joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the official signing of the INFORM (Integrity, Notification and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces) Act on July 19. Now Public Acts 152-153 of 2022, the new laws require online mar ketplaces to verify high-volume, third-party sellers and provide their contact information to purchasers.

MRA has joined a coalition that is filing a joint amicus brief to appeal the ruling. The brief will be filed by Sept. 2, with oral arguments scheduled by a Court of Appeals panel to follow. The decision will likely be made in late 2022 in advance of any Jan. 1, 2023, minimum wage changes.

Along with the new laws, the FY 2023 Michigan budget includes $3.5 million in one-time funding for the Department of Attorney General to create an Organized Retail Crime Unit.

The governor signed several tobacco sales-related bills, which took effect in July. Public Acts 167-168 of 2022 amend the Youth Tobacco Act to raise the state’s legal age to buy tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21, in alignment with federal law. Penalties for the sale of tobacco products to underage individuals remain up to $100 for the first offense, up to $500 for the second offense, and up to $2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses. The new laws also prohibit anyone under age 21 from en tering a tobacco retail specialty store, such as a cigar shop. Please note: It is still legal for 18-year-olds to sell tobacco products. The bills were tie-barred to a bill which reduces the state’s tobacco tax on certain lower-risk products and expands mail delivery of tobacco products. That bill is now Public Act 171 of 2022. In addition, Public Acts 169-170 of 2022 provide for com pliance checks, require licensing, and increase the purchase age from 18 to 21 of penal code provisions for selling or distributing tobacco products by mail or vending machines.

Accessibility signs to be gradually replaced Gov. Whitmer signed bills to update accessibility signs used to designate parking spaces, restrooms, and other accommoda tions for people with disabilities. Public Acts 182-183 of 2022 mandate that new access signs use the new international sym bol of access that depicts a dynamic character leaning forward in a wheelchair. New signs must not include the word “handi capped” but may include a word providing instruction, such as “reserved.” Businesses can wait until new or replacement signs are needed rather than replace current signs immediately.

In July, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that sexual orienta tion is protected under the state’s civil rights law. A 2020 lawsuit, Rouch World, LLC vs. Department of Civil Rights, asked whether the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) — which protects against discrimination “because of ... sex” — includes protection against discrimination due to sexual orientation. The opinion stated that denying employment, housing, education, goods or services in a place of public accommodation or public service on the basis of sexual orientation “constitutes discrimination ‘because of ... sex’ and, therefore, constitutes a violation of the ELCRA.”

Michigan raises minimum age for tobacco sales

Looking back: The July 2010 issue of the Michigan Food News profiled the opening of the Knapp’s Crossing store. At the time, SpartanNash not ed that D&W was known for its pro gressive, service-oriented approach to shopping. With the remodel, SpartanNash continues the focus on service by adding a cheese specialist as well as a beer and wine steward. 2022 storefront 2010 storefront 2022 ribbon cutting Remodeled wine department

Fresh 2022 crop

MRA Member SpartanNash celebrated the opening of its remodeled Knapp’s Corner D&W Fresh Market on Aug. 10 with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The remodeled Grand Rapids store provides an updated color scheme, new signs, and a refreshed store layout. New offerings include fresh-made artisan sandwiches and paninis, 112 varieties of cheese and charcuterie pairings, 23 new varieties of fresh-made sushi, and a more extensive wine collection. The renovated store also features more than 160 local brands.

“Ideal weather conditions in spring and summer, dedicat ed growers, and stored energy from 2021’s smaller crop has resulted in a large, high-quality apple crop for Michigan,” says Michigan Apple Committee Executive Director Diane Smith. “Thanks to plenty of heat during the summer, the flavor will be great, Michigantoo.”has more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms. Packers and shippers work throughout the year to bring Michi gan apples to 32 states and 18 countries.

IT’S CRUNCH TIME!

Michigan Apples are available now from the place where apples love to grow.

Michigan expects to have 5.5 million more bushels of apples available this fall than during a typical season. The official 2022 crop estimate of 29.5 million bushels (1.2 billion pounds) is well above the 24 million-bushel average for Michi gan’s apple industry. And it’s almost double the amount of last year’s crop of 15.6 million bushels. In fact, this year’s crop will come close to 2016’s record-breaking 30 million bushels.

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 11

Grocers: Prepare for a near record-breaking apple crop

SpartanNash unveils remodeled D&W Fresh Market

Grocers have the option to stock more than a dozen Michigangrown apple varieties. Kicking off the season are two varieties, Paula Red and Ginger Gold, which are already being harvested — with Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp and more coming through out September.

MichiganApples.com

Locally produced at

MRA Member Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch celebrated the completion of its Blue Springs Egg Farm with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 11, 2022. The new cage-free, egg-laying facility sits on 335 acres in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. It will enable the com pany to expand its reach and supply grocery stores on the East HeadquarteredCoast.in Saranac, Michigan, Herbruck’s supplies over three billion farm-fresh eggs and 55 million pounds of liquid egg product to retailers and foodservice outlets each year. Herbruck’s flock has grown from 3,000 egg-laying hens in the late 1950s to 10 million today.

Kroger introduces membership program in Michigan

Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch expands into Pennsylvania

MRA Member Meijer launched two lines of restaurant-style, heat-and-eat meals in August. The lines — Crafted Market by Meijer and Crafted Market Signature by Meijer — offer single-serve meals that can be ready to eat at home in 5 minutes or less. Meijer says the new products target customers looking for a quick meal after their grocery shopping trip or to have onhand for later in the week when they don’t feel like cooking. The company expects 40% of its Crafted Market meals to be consumed the same day they’re purchased.

“We also continue to expand and invest in Michigan,” says Chairman and CEO Stephen Herbruck. Last October, Herbruck’s completed construction of a new solar array at its Green Meadow Organics facility in Saranac. That facility opened in 2008 to produce organic, cage-free eggs and all-natural fertilizers. As Michigan’s largest egg producer, the company is on track to be completely cage-free in 2024.

The Crafted Market line offers classic, family favorites such as teriyaki chicken and meatloaf and mash. The signature line offers gourmet op tions such as chicken enchiladas and chicken asada. Twelve varieties of Crafted Market meals are available in the deli section and on their website with the tagline, “our take home is better than takeout.”

“We know our customers are looking to stretch their budgets, and we think this is a great way to help them save money while making grocery shopping more convenient,” says Kroger-Michigan Presi dent Ken DeLuca. “With the rising prices of fuel, relief at the pump is more important than ever.”

MRA Member Kroger recently expanded its Boost by Kroger Plus membership program into Michigan after a successful pilot program in Ohio, Georgia, and Indiana. The new program gives customers ac cess to free grocery delivery — next-day or as few as two hours depending on the membership plan — for grocery orders of $35 or more. Kroger reports that the pilot regions saw a significant increase in delivery sales compared to non-Boost divisions. As an added bonus, Boost’s fuel offer doubles the number of fuel points members earn for every dollar spent on groceries. The resulting savings are good for up to $1 off per gallon. Boost members also receive savings on several brands including Murray’s Cheese and Simple Truth. For $59 or $99 per year, membership can save customers more $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery, Kroger estimates.

The Herbruck family (from left): Terry, Melanie, Stephen, Marilyn, Greg, and Herb.

Meijer launches Crafted Market heat-and-eat meals

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 13

Reports often show patterns with staff or operations repre senting the individual challenges of each store. It’s important for store operators to develop a plan to fix the concerns identi fied by their food inspector. That plan should involve reassess ing the situation periodically to ensure the solution wasn’t just a temporary fix that will lead to the same issue in the future.

Make food safety training and education a year-round priority

September is National Food Safety Month; and as I write this column, Gov. Whitmer is getting ready to declare September 2022 as Michigan Food Safety Education and Awareness Month. Here at the Michigan Department of Agricul ture and Rural Development, we traditionally mark the month by focusing on consumer food safety education and outreach and by raising awareness of the industry’s commitment to food safety.

While we promote consumer food safety each September, food safety training and education is a year-round priority for food-related businesses. MDARD takes seriously its role in en suring a safe, abundant food supply through partnership with and oversight of local health departments and the state’s food and agriculture industry.

14 SEPT/OCT 2022 MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS MDARD News

One way for food establishments to promote food safety is by addressing any violations noted by their food inspector and revisiting that topic periodically. The report left by the food inspector details food safety concerns specific to a store loca tion. The violations noted provide the operator information on which store practices or policies aren’t working the way they should in order to provide safe food.

Implement a proactive system of controls Food establishment operators should work to implement pro active systems of control to prevent violations from recurring and follow active managerial control principles, including, for example:

Make use of food inspector reports

By Tim Slawinski Food and Dairy Division Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

The “Michigan Modified Food Code” provides infor mation on the requirements inspectors look at during their visit to the store. Operators can reference this document to better understand the concerns noted on the inspection report and the practices to put in place to operate safely. You can access this document from our website at michigan.gov/mdard.

2. Establishing or enhancing procedures to monitor activities related to those violations.

Longtime Michigan Food News editor bids farewell

5. Assessing the food safety management systems pe riodically to make sure everything is working correctly.

Soon after, I refined the magazine in a contemporary way to make the most of the print medium. I also launched an electronic bulletin, the Michigan Food eNews, to provide timely, relevant information.

4. Training (or retraining) employees to follow established procedures.

I began my career at Michigan Grocers Association in 2001 as Director of Communications and Editor of the Michigan Food News. When MGA merged with Michigan Retailers Association in 2018, I became a consultant to continue as Editor and provide communi cations and marketing assistance for the Grocers Division.

3. Taking corrective actions as needed to fix improper behaviors or procedures.

Michigan Food Code

This issue of the Michigan Food News marks the end of my tenure as editor. In its 76-year history, the publication has had 10 editors, and I have the distinction of serving the longest. This is my 220th edition, which is well over 5,000 Michigan Food News pages of feature articles, legislative updates, people and industry news, magazine covers, and so much more.

Food Code Annex

Another great resource is the “Food Code Annex 4: Management of Food Safety Practices – Achieving Active Managerial Control of Foodborne Illness Risk Factors.” It’s based on the seven-step Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) process that a food producer or establishment can use to develop an effective food safety plan. The process can help you identify potential food safety hazards and critical control points. It can also help establish control and monitoring procedures as well as corrective actions and effective record keeping procedures. Rather than relying solely on periodic feedback from inspections by regulatory agencies, an establishment operator who implements a food safety management system based on HACCP principles emphasizes con tinuous problem solving and prevention. The Food Code Annex 4 is available on MDARD’s website as well. Assuring food safety is a year-round, team effort. I hope you’ll take the opportunity during National Food Safety Month to review your food safety practices and strive for continuous improvement.

1. Identifying the documented violations or citations.

It’s been a pleasure and a privilege over the last 20 years to work with hundreds of fun, energetic, dedicated people including associ ation members, advertisers, vendors, colleagues, board members, state department staff, and lawmakers. I’m honored to have served Michigan’s grocery industry for so many years. Although I am headed to the Health Care Association of Michigan to serve as their director of communications, I hope to cross paths with everyone again sometime. And I’m certain MRA’s team will continue to produce strong publications that fill a very important niche for Michigan’s food retail industry. Thank you! Temperature is a critical control point.

MICHIGAN FOOD NEWS SEPT/OCT 2022 15

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