We bring you some key stories to begin your work day. On the menu, in no particular order:
Frozen food gets a makeover. Sales of frozen food have grown less than 1 percent a year for the last several years. Major food manufacturers (including Nestlé, Con-Agra and others) are making big investments to reinvigorate their frozen offerings … and their bottom lines. Will their gambit work? Stephanie Strom (@ssstrom) writes this piece for the New York Times. For a brief recap of the strange history of frozen food, read this piece about Clarence Birdseye from Eater (2014). Next up: definitely not frozen. Amazon is testing fresh produce delivery service. The company is piloting a Farmers Market Direct program – in partnership with Fresh Nation – in three Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego. The goal? Home delivery from farm to home within 36 hours of harvest. If the model is successful, it could be expanded nationally. Russ Parsons (@Russ_Parsons1) reports for the Los Angeles Times.
Food and ag in politics: three pieces. No, Carly Fiorina, the government has not destroyed California agriculture. During a presidential campaign, one hears a lot of claims. Like this one from Carly Fiorina: “I have seen the agriculture industry almost destroyed in the state of California. By bad policies and bad politics.” Nathanael Johnson (@SavorTooth) rebuts these claims via the numbers in a smart piece appearing in Grist. Hillary Clinton’s Email: Gefilte fish. The story behind the funniest email Hillary Clinton has ever sent. Roberto Ferdman (@RobFerdman) for the Washington Post. The battle for healthier school lunches. Five things you need to know about the congressional battle over school lunch. Bettina Elias Siegel (@thelunchtray) for Civil Eats.
Climate change. Scientists say 2015 will be the hottest year on record “by a mile.” Steve Connor (@SteveAConnor) for The Independent.
A note: There will be no daily wrap on Friday, Sept. 3, or Monday, Sept. 7, as the UC Food Observer observes the Labor Day Weekend. For a brief history lesson about this national holiday, visit the Department of Labor’s website, here.
Have a great day!