Op-Ed: CGA Exec Speaks Out on Recycling

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Reprinted from Cal Matters
May 22, 2020

Making Grocery Stores a Recycling Center Seems Unthinkable in This Time of COVID-19

by Ron Fong, CGA President & CEO

The coronavirus crisis is teaching us much about our social infrastructure that we either didn’t know or took for granted.

We are learning, for instance, that our health care system is exactly that – a system that we all rely on, and one that can be overwhelmed by sudden stress.

We are learning that our front-line health care providers – nurses, physicians, first-responders, all manner of hospital and clinic workers – are heroes of the first order who put their well-being at risk to care for the sick and vulnerable.

And we are learning that our food-distribution system, of fundamental importance during a crisis, is strong and resilient. Farmers, food processing facilities, food distributors and grocers have stepped up to meet the demands of a worried public facing the uncertainty of sheltering in place.

To be sure, there have been instances of long lines and temporary shortages of certain items, but our food-distribution system is keeping up with demand. Deliveries of goods have been keeping pace, and grocers have been working overtime and hiring new workers to restock shelves.

Many of us are learning something that went mostly unnoticed before: that groceries are as important to our social infrastructure as roads, hospitals and fire stations. We need them to function smoothly to prevent social disruption.

It’s a lesson we need to keep in mind after this crisis passes.

With vigilance and broad public compliance with the safety measures public health experts have put forth, we can hope that the worst of the potential consequences will be averted. There is a long, uncertain road ahead, but this crisis will pass.

When that moment comes, policymakers in California can again turn their attention to issues that are important but far less urgent than a global pandemic.

Among them will be the abysmal state of recycling in California that is leading to a resurgence of plastics being discarded into the environment or buried in landfills. It has been accompanied by a decline in redemption rates of beverage containers, despite the 5- or 10-cent California Redemption Value that consumers pay for each beverage container they purchase.

The market for plastic waste plummeted in 2017 after China stopped accepting most shipments. Not only has that made it difficult or impossible to recycle such items as yogurt containers and packaging shells, but it has also dried up revenue for neighborhood recycling centers.

About half of those centers have closed in recent years, and the result has been predictable: recycling rates have fallen. For all containers, the state’s most recent report shows a redemption rate of 76% and trending downward.

number of ideas have been put forth in the Legislature to reduce plastic waste, including a phasing out of single-use plastic containers, requiring greater use of compostable materials and mandating higher amounts of recycled content in new containers in order to promote a more robust market for plastic waste.

All those ideas are ones that should be explored and refined.

But one idea that made little sense before seems absolutely unthinkable now – to complicate the mission of grocery stores by requiring them to also serve as recycling centers.

Grocers are in the business of providing food to people. Over the years, of course, that mission has also expanded to include providing necessary household supplies such as cleaning materials and, yes, toilet paper so that they are conveniently available.

Groceries don’t have the people or the space to handle the extra duty of processing containers for recycling, and the last thing anyone should be promoting is the notion of asking consumers to bring used, unsanitary materials into the very places they rely upon to provide a safe, secure food supply.

When we get past this extraordinary public health crisis, taking action to boost recycling in California will remain an important priority. Grocers will do their part in trying to help fashion solutions. But their primary role is now and should always remain to be dependable, resilient suppliers of food and household goods.

Californians depend on it.

Industry Mourns Passing of Lou Amen

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It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Louis A. Amen the founder of Super A Foods, Inc. Lou was known and loved by many and was a legend in the grocery industry. He served as CGA Chair in 1986 and was a strong supporter of both the Association and its Educational Foundation.

He passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at his home in Corona del Mar. He is survived by his wife Dorie, 7 children, 24 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Due to the Covid 19 regulations Lou’s memorial service will be limited to 10 close family members. The Amen family regrets to announce that the memorial service will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests making memorial contributions to the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation. Reference: Lou Amen.

Thank you for the outpouring of love during this difficult time.

You can send or drop off contributions to:
Super A Foods, Inc.
c/o Renee Amen
7200 Dominion Circle
Commerce, CA 90040

Or

California Grocers Association Educational Foundation
c/o Lou Amen – Super A Foods
1005 12th Street, Suite 200
Sacramento, CA 95814
To donate: click here, or contact Brianne Page, CGAEF, at (916) 448-3545.

An Open Letter to Our Nation’s Retailers and Food Distributors

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Thank you! As much of our daily lives has changed in significant ways, you continue to serve in providing an essential function for all of us. What we once took for granted as normal routine, going to the grocery store, has fundamentally changed. You – retailers, your stores, and all team members throughout the food distribution system – are our heroes and we thank you!

Our California farmers, ranchers and farmworkers understand the challenge this crisis has delivered to our retailer partners: to manage adequate supply, maintain efficient distribution, and most of all provide a safe shopping environment for customers and employees. All of this has been accomplished with a level of care, service and dedication that makes us proud to be part of your supply chain.

We are thankful for the warehouse workers pulling double shifts, the truck drivers who are adding routes, the direct-to-customer services that are being offered, and the new outlets being created to provide food. We are grateful for retail employees in-store, delivery drivers, and those working at headquarters who have helped us adapt to a new way of life by providing a sense of order in these uncertain times.

California producers are here for you. Each harvest provides a brighter future, and together we will do what we’ve always done to provide healthy nutritious food ( and beautiful flowers) for your customers, our neighbors and communities across this state and nation.

We commend you for your ongoing efforts. Your work and service has been nothing less than world class.

With gratitude,

Karen Ross, Secretary
California Department of Food and Agriculture

Fong Appointed to Newsom Task Force

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Advisory group tasked to jump-start state’s economy

SACRAMENTO, CA (April 17, 2020) – California Governor Gavin Newsom today appointed California Grocers Association President and CEO Ron Fong to serve on his bi-partisan Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery, responsible with helping plan the state’s economic recovery following the financial calamity resulting from COVID-19.

“I am extremely honored to participate on this very impressive and diverse task force that gives the grocery industry a seat at the table as we work to get our state economy up and running again,” Fong said. California’s grocery industry is one of the state’s largest employers, employing more than 350,000 Californians.

“I look forward to collaborating with thought leaders from throughout California as we develop recommendations for both government and business to help revive our economy and guide the state back toward economic growth and recovery,” he added.

The 80-member task force is co-chaired by former U.S. presidential candidate and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer and Gov. Newsom’s Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary, and includes representatives from business, labor, environment, social justice, state legislature and four former California governors.

“This is a tremendous honor for our industry to be represented on this task force,” said CGA chair Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale Grocers. “This pandemic has hit families and businesses in ways none of us could have ever imagined. Ron is uniquely positioned to add a valuable perspective as he represents California’s grocery Industry which sits squarely on the front lines of helping keep families feed and energized as we collectively navigate through this crisis.”

Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery Advisory Members

Gov. Newsom Press Release: Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery

Former CGA Chair Bob Parriott Passes Away

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From CGA President and CEO Ron Fong:

It is with sincere regret and deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of former CGA Chair and long-time independent grocer Bob Parriott, Twain Harte Market, who tragically died in a small aircraft accident February 5, 2020, near the Columbia, Calif. airport.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Linda, their children and grandchildren.

Details of the accident are limited, but it appears Bob and the pilot were the plane’s only occupants and both died in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash.

Bob was instrumental in the merger of the California Independent Grocers Association with CGA in 2014 and served on the CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee – culminating with his year as Chair in 2018.

Bob was a true champion for the independent grocer which was reflected in his life and his work. He was a tremendous supporter of the Association and will be remembered for his leadership during the merger and his time on the Board.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

New Building, New Brand

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What’s new for the California Grocers Association in 2019? A lot.

CGA has updated its brand, redesigned its website and e-newsletter and in the Spring will move to its new headquarters.

“With the purchase of our new headquarters in downtown Sacramento, we thought it was time to update the Association brand and several of its communication tools,” said Ron Fong, CGA President and CEO.

CGA’s logo has been simplified to highlight its three key missions — government advocacy, communications and industry relations, and its familiar acronym — CGA, with the letter G (Grocers) rising slightly above the other letters.

“We wanted the logo to remain true to representing the Association’s mission to serve, represent and educate its members and to advocate on their behalf,” said Fong. “We also believed it was time to simplify our look to better emphasize our strengths.”

The new logo, with its updated color palette, will be splashed across the Association’s entire suite of print, digital and marketing programs.

Under the direction of Nate Rose, Digital Communications Director, the Association’s redesigned website and newsletter will focus on a streamlined, easy-to-navigate look. The Association’s weekly email newsletter, Checkout, also reflects this same focus on simplicity and ease-of-use, along with content customization.

The Association will occupy its new office at 1005 12th Street, Suite 200, in early March and officially open by May. CGA purchased the 20,544 square foot three-level historic building in 2015.

“Purchasing our own building was a sound investment for the Association,” Fong said. “We wanted to celebrate this important milestone with branding that was equally bold.”

Foundation Honors Industry Icons

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Joe Falvey and Jim Van Gorkom are the newest inductees into the CGA Educational Foundation’s Hall of Achievement

Two grocery industry executives with deep leadership roots in both the California Grocers Association and the CGA Educational Foundation were inducted into the Foundation’s prestigious Hall of Achievement on March 28, 2019 in San Ramon, Calif.

Hundreds of industry peers, friends and family attended the gala event to honor Joe Falvey, President, Professional Services, UNFI/SUPERVALU, and Jim Van Gorkom, Senior Vice President, NuCal Foods, Inc.

The Hall of Achievement recognizes grocery leaders for their tremendous contributions to not only the industry, but their local communities as well. Proceeds from the event help fund the Foundation’s college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs.

“We are honored to induct two very worthy Hall of Achievement recipients,” said CGA/CGAEF President Ron Fong. “Their contributions to our industry and their communities is well-documented.”

Both award recipients have long histories of involvement with the Educational Foundation, the Association and other allied organizations.

Falvey served on the CGA Board of Directors and as CGA Chair in 2015. He also served on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Van Gorkom currently serves on the CGA Board and from 2011-2016 served as Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. In addition, he also served as Illuminator Headlite (chair), a vendor-based organization that supports the Association’s annual Strategic Conference.

“Jim was a tremendous Board chair,” said Shiloh London Costello, Foundation Executive Director. “Both inductees played pivotal roles in assisting the Foundation through an important transitional period.”

Succeeding Van Gorkom as Foundation Chair was Brad Askeland, North State Grocery, Inc., who in his presentation applauded the inductees’ commitment to the grocery industry.

“These two individuals have always had the best interest of the Foundation in mind and their legacy will always be one held in the highest regard by their peers and colleagues,” he said.

Askeland was later joined by Board Trustee Jacquie Slobom, Gelson’s Markets, and both introduced the night’s first inductee, Jim Van Gorkom. Joe Falvey was then introduced by his daughters, Shauna and Brooke Falvey.

Following the awards presentation, both recipients participated in the Gala’s traditional Honorees Interview, hosted by the Foundation’s Shiloh London Costello and Ron Fong.

In addition to the induction ceremony, attendees listened to an emotional presentation from Clay McFarland, Grocery Outlet Senior Director Sales and Merchandising for Southern California. McFarland recounted his grocery career that began at age 16.

Realizing the career advantage of a college degree, McFarland steadfastly worked towards his bachelor’s degree, while being employed full time and raising a family. In 2013, after years of night school, McFarland’s dream was realized. But he didn’t stop there.

“I graduated with my bachelor’s degree and still had a yearning for higher education,” he told attendees, adding his desire to pursue a graduate degree became a reality in 2017.

“Desire was essential in this reality, but most importantly was the support of my employer and scholarship funding that I have been fortunate to receive from the CGA Educational Foundation,” he said. McFarland received two Foundation scholarships and multiple tuition reimbursements and is now less than nine months away from completing his MBA.

As the Foundation’s primary fundraiser, attendees also had the opportunity to participate in a Live Auction and the Foundation’s annual Fund a Need program.

“The industry’s support of the Foundation’s annual Hall of Achievement is nothing short of incredible,” Fong said, adding special recognition to the evening’s platinum and gold sponsors. “So many deserving college students and CGA member employees have been able to realize their education dream through the tremendous generosity of our members.”

The Hall of Achievement Dinner is the Foundation’s signature annual fundraising event. Created in 1992, the dinner recognizes retailers and suppliers who have contributed substantially to the advancement of the grocery industry. Along with other programs, the event funds several Foundation college scholarships.

The Hard-Learned Lessons of Feeding Small Humans

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The arrival of a second child creates a whole new look at grocery shopping

Before my son was born, I was petrified of everything. How our life would change, how I would change, and that this whole making a new human thing was a terrible, terrible mistake.

My husband, on the other hand, was cool as a cucumber. He knew that our kid was going to be amazing, and we could be amazing parents, and all was right with the world. And of course, he knew that our kid would eat what we eat; we wouldn’t raise one of those brats that demand a special meal every night.

We’re a couple of weeks away from baby No. 2 making her appearance, and this go-around our roles are reversed. He’s scared of re-entering the realm of the utterly exhausted, while I know it will be chaos for me, chaos has become a comfortable status quo that is worth its weight in hugs and giggles.

To be honest, part of my newly-found sense of chill is that my standards are now much, much lower. The likelihood that I’ll stay up late to clean, dice, steam and puree all of her baby food from scratch as I did for her brother is pretty slim.

I’ve learned that applesauce from a pouch is infinitely more coveted than apples picked at a local orchard that have been stewed and mashed at home, and that organic food is to be purchased strategically. Dairy, the dirty dozen, and some well-established favorites are about all the organic items I will fit into my $500 a month grocery budget.

Almost everything else will end up in my (ever expanding) dog or my vacuum anyway. And of course, I know that chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs are a food group in and of themselves.

I once heard the CEO of a children’s store chain talk about how the vast majority of their revenue comes from first-time parents. When subsequent kids come along parents spend far, far less, either because they already have what they need or because they know that kids don’t need much at all.

I’m no expert, but I’d say when it comes to feeding small children the opposite is true. As pro parents this go around we are no longer under the misconception that toddlers will happily gobble up tofu stir-fries or shakshuka for dinner.

Most of our grocery budget is spent with the nourishment and cooperation of tiny humans in mind. The rest of us…well, we’re just learning to appreciate a good dinosaur-shaped budget.

CGA in the Press: Manhattan Beach Food Packaging

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In case you missed it, a recent article from The Beach Reporter explored the ramifications of a ban of polystyrene use for meat trays in the City of Manhattan Beach.

From the article:

But the city may be caught on a meat hook when it comes to polystyrene.

Local officials are seeking to ban foam meat trays, a move environmentalists overwhelmingly support.

But there may be unforeseen outcomes, such as more trash and the discontinuation of certain products offered in Manhattan Beach, according to grocery industry experts.

City officials postponed a decision on the meat tray ban, citing concerns from CGA’s local government expert, Tim James.

Quoted in the article, James pointed to the lack of process and outreach conducted by Manhattan Beach:

The city hasn’t done the outreach to understand this and that’s why we ask them for a significant delay to walk them through these conversations. Last night there was a lot of misinformation presented and so we feel they are not making a decision based on accurate, real-world information, hence the request for the delay.

CGA is also cited in the report as James explained the drawbacks of pushing grocery retailers into alternatives that are not feasible.

An outright ban on polystyrene would push grocers to use compostable food packaging which just becomes trash because Manhattan Beach cannot properly dispose of it. You’re just trading out one piece of trash for another with zero environmental benefit.

The Council next met to discuss the issue on March 6, where CGA was able to secure an delayed timeline for implementation of Jan. 1, 2020 — along with the ability to apply for an additional one-year waiver.

Read the full story.

CGA Launches New Website

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem ipsum mollitia neque, illum illo excepturi, eum incidunt fugit nostrum est, voluptate eaque minima corporis debitis at, dolores ipsam. Quaerat, dolores.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem ipsum mollitia neque, illum illo excepturi, eum incidunt fugit nostrum est, voluptate eaque minima corporis debitis at, dolores ipsam. Quaerat, dolores.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem ipsum mollitia neque, illum illo excepturi, eum incidunt fugit nostrum est, voluptate eaque minima corporis debitis at, dolores ipsam. Quaerat, dolores.