Member News
Member and Industry News While there are many signs indicating a return to normalcy, food insecurity continues to be an ongoing issue plaguing many families. Summer is generally a difficult time for food insecure families when more than 18 million children nationwide lose access to free or reduced-price meals at schools, including the nourishment of milk. The American Dairy Association North East joined forces with Price Chopper/Market 32 in support of “Fill a Glass with Hope” to provide fresh milk to local food banks. During June, National Dairy Month, shoppers at the grocery stores across New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Vermont had the opportunity to “round up” their change at checkout to donate and help make milk available to families in their local communities. “Price Chopper/Market 32 recognizes that due to its perishable nature, milk remains the most requested but least donated item to food banks,” said Mona Golub, vice president, public relations & consumer services for The American Dairy Association North East. “Our year-round commitment to fighting food insecurity also helps us to recognize the importance of taking a different tact during the summertime, given that kids are out of school but still playing, learning, and growing and needing the essential, protein-rich nutrients that milk provides.” According to The American Dairy Association North East, 100% of all donations will remain local and help deliver milk and essential nutrition to families with children in need. Construction has begun on a $16 million expansion at the Agri-Mark location in Chateaugay, New York, part of a $30 60 • Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc.
million planned modernization project that started in 2016. This expansion will help the dairy cooperative retain more than 100 full-time employees and support an addition 514 agricultural jobs in the region. The expansion and restoration of Agri-Mark’s Franklin County facility involves rebuilding the cooperative’s 110,641-square-foot manufacturing center, reengineering the layout of the facility and purchasing new machinery and other equipment. This phase of the project dedicates $16 million to building a new state-of-the-art cheese production room to improve plant efficiency and further Agri-Mark’s high quality standards. The plant will continue to operate during its modernization effort. Blueox Corporation recently announced the sale of its Blueox Neighborhood market convenience store chain to Stewart’s Shops, based in Saratoga Springs, New York. At its peak, Blueox built a chain of 11 local convenience stores, the most recognizable of which being its Nice-N-Easy franchise locations. Blueox Corporation President Jared Bartle said, “…As the industry shifts away from the mid-sized chains, we wanted to find a company with dedication to its employees and the communities they serve. The decision to sell did not come easily. Our stores, and especially the people in our stores, are deeply embedded into our corporate culture and it’s for that reason we sought a buyer whose priorities most closely aligned with ours. We believe most of our employees will not only continue employment with Stewart’s Shops, but
