In my new role leading business development and member engagement, sponsorship is a topic that comes up in almost every conversation. Companies sponsor programs, events, research and initiatives to align their brand with work that matters to the industry.

Great Place To Work and Fortune media have recognized Wegmans Food Markets Inc. as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2026. This is Wegmans 29th year being named to this prestigious list, this year coming in at fifth place. 

Healthy eating is more fun for kids when they get involved in the selection and preparation of foods that promote good health. That’s the idea behind California Kids Cook, a new pilot program from CA GROWN and Gelson’s, designed to bring the “farm-to-store-to-fork-to-school” journey to life for local students.

Food Lion customers and associates came together once again to support hunger-relief efforts through Food Lion Feeds’ annual Orange Bag campaign, helping provide more than 13 million meals to individuals and families experiencing hunger across its 10-state footprint.

Superfresh Growers expanded its Equitable Food Initiative certification, building on its certified apple and pear acreage and now covering the majority of the company’s cherry acreage as it enters the 2026 season. Additional apple, pear, blueberry and cherry acreage is scheduled for certification over the next two years, extending EFI standards across the company’s full range of operations.

If you spend any time in the produce industry, you know that conference season can feel a little like living out of a carry-on. Flights before sunrise. Long days of meetings. Networking receptions that stretch late into the evening. Then you wake up the next morning and do it all again.