School is back in session, and after school activities have already begun. How can everyone get back into a groove with chaos all around? Well, September is Family Meals Month and it coincides with National Fruits & Veggies Month…the perfect combo for promoting family values and healthy eating!
I did a little digging and found that school cafeteria management company Chartwells checked in with school chefs and dietitians to come up with a list of the top 10 food trends for kids this year. Here’s a clue, it’s not PB&J. Rather, more global flavors, a little spice is nice, fun but healthy treats and “newstalgic” recipes (ex: adding protein to mac & cheese) are topping the list. The Food Marketing Institute Foundation reports that people who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general. These healthier habits include eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as having breakfast more often. Involving children in food preparation for family meals can increase dietary quality and improve eating patterns among children.
Meredith McGrath RD, LDN and corporate dietitian and head of Nutrition Communications and Marketing for Redner’s and mother of three young girls has good advice for us. “As a mom and as a registered dietitian, I stress the value of eating meals together. And that can look many different ways. It doesn’t always have to be dinner, it doesn’t even have to be at a table, but there needs to be a commitment. Everyone needs to put down devices, turn off all distractions and connect.” She added, “the food is a bonus because it connects us and yes, research shows that these meals lead to healthier eating habits, strengthen communication within the family, increase school performance and reduce the chance of risky behaviors. It is pretty impressive to see the benefits from just a simple meal! When I speak with families, I emphasize to start with whatever works best for you. Maybe it’s just one time per week. Maybe it’s Sunday morning breakfast for 30 minutes. Maybe it’s Wednesdays at 8 pm using a bagged salad, frozen vegetables and a rotisserie chicken. Make it work for you!” Truer words were never spoken. We are fortunate to have for our retailers help plan with healthy meal solutions offered instore with lots of cross merchandising, so consumers don’t have to go on a treasure hunt to find the items they need.
One of my favorite organizations, Healthy Family Project, also has solutions for healthy family eating. “Our fall campaigns are built around the theme of getting families back into a healthy routine,” says Trish James, vice president of Healthy Family Project. “As kids head back to school and families adjust to new schedules, we meet them where they are with ideas and inspiration to make nutritious choices easier. We share tips for packing balanced and creative lunchboxes, stocking up on healthy after-school snacks and preparing easy weeknight dinners that highlight seasonal produce.” For more information, click here.
To end this, I look to the queen of produce and floral, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns for her remarks about the value of adding fruits and veggies to our overall diet. “For too long, fruits and vegetables have been the quiet, essential workhorses of public health,” said. “This campaign reminds us of a truth we’ve always known: nutrition is the foundation of prevention, and produce is an undeniable cornerstone to any wellness plan. It’s not about replacing technology, medications or wearables; it’s about ensuring that real, whole food is recognized as the foundation on which to build a healthier nation.” Amen to that.
As many of you know, I am a Philly girl, and I love all things Philly, especially our food. So, of course, I said yes when lead sponsor Justine Giordano of Vincent Giordano Company asked me to judge an Iron Chef Sandwich Competition featuring Philadelphia’s own food critic Craig LaBan (he won, btw) at the inaugural Hoagie Throwdown on September 7 at Other Half Brewery in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. It was hosted by top rated Delicious City Philly Podcast, and the three principals, Chef Eli Culp, Dave Wez and Marisa Magnetta (of Preston & Steve fame) were in rare form! So, this was a whole package – free beer, great music, hoagies from about 15 different restaurants in Philly, including the famous Angelo’s, Campo’s, Farina di Vita, DiBruno’s and Breezy’s and of course, the t-shirt commemorating the event. Herr’s and Tastykake also sponsored the event. The guests voted for the People’s Choice Hoagie. But the most fun was the regulation sized wrestling ring with a full day of competition featuring “Pizza Chef” Luigi Primo, who is based in Austin, TX. He wrestles while twirling pizza dough. Ruby’s Indian Taqueria won best hoagie and the crowd went home having spent an awesome Philly kind of day. Can’t wait for next year!
Speaking of our beloved Philadelphia sandwich, Wawa has given Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley his own hoagie, aptly named “The Saquon”…just like Jason and Kylie Kelce and Kyle Schwarber before him. It celebrates the three-time Pro Bowler’s Philadelphia connections. The sandwich features oven-roasted turkey, American cheese, lettuce, onions, and spicy mustard. “My hoagie is mad basic,” Barkley said in a Wawa ad. “That’s what I eat, though. I’ve been going to Wawa since I was 8. It’s just kind of like my snack on the go that you know you can trust and you know it’s going to taste good.” The Saquon is available for a limited time at Wawa. Philly loves you, Saquon!
And what goes better with hoagies than potato chips? On August 26, Herr Foods announced that Long Hots & Sharp Provolone won the fiercely competitive 2025 Flavored by Philly: Crunch Off contest. This marks the first time the winning flavor will join Herr’s everyday product lineup, an opportunity earned after emerging victorious in a matchup of champions of the past three years. The competition has become a beloved annual event, celebrating local flavor creativity and the spirit of Philadelphia. This year’s lineup paid tribute to the city’s culinary heritage, featuring three standout flavors: Long Hots & Sharp Provolone, Tomato Pie, and Special Hot Stromboli. In a clear victory, Long Hots & Sharp Provolone outpaced its competitors in votes and sales units, earning its everyday place on store shelves. This year’s competition saw an incredible 199,008 votes which represents an astounding 654 percent increase in participation, making it the most engaging contest yet. “We’re always looking for ways to celebrate the incredible flavors of our region, and Long Hots & Sharp Provolone Potato Chips truly captures the bold, unique spirit of Philadelphia,” said Ed Herr, chairman and CEO. “The outpouring of support from our fans this year was unparalleled, and we’re proud to make this winning flavor part of our everyday lineup.” Fans can now enjoy Long Hots & Sharp Provolone year-round, as it will hit shelves starting in January 2026.
We have more news from Herr’s with some executive changes happening this month. Effective September 1, Troy Gunden, president and third-generation family leader, has stepped into the role of CEO and president. Second-generation leader Ed Herr transitioned to executive chairman, where he’ll continue guiding long-term strategy and mentoring at the family run business. With more than two decades at Herr’s including six years as president, Troy brings deep company knowledge, passion, and fresh energy to lead growth, innovation, and commitment to Herr’s employees, their customers, and the Herr’s legacy. Congratulations!
Heaven gained another angel on August 25 when David “Dave” Hassler Andrews of Kreider Farms, passed away suddenly at the age of 66. Dave, who lived in Lititz at the time of his death, was born in Camden, NJ and raised in Cherry Hill, NJ. After graduating from Saint Joseph’s University, he had a successful career as a sales and marketing executive for several organizations in the food industry including Keller’s Creamery, Butterball Farms, and most recently Kreider Farms, where he spent more than 20 years spearheading the growth of the family-owned company. Dave lived his life to the fullest. His adventurous spirit was encapsulated through his many hobbies, from boating and motorcycling to skiing and flying planes. Some of his notable accomplishments include riding his motorcycle across the U.S., serving two terms as Commodore at the North East River Yacht Club, and writing and publishing, his book, “Derigo Sunday.” Above all else, Dave treasured the time he spent with his family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Nancy and his sister Spence. He is survived by his son Alex (Alison); his partner Erin; his brothers Tom (Pam) and Duffy; his brother-in-law Ray; and a large circle of close friends, extended family, and colleagues who he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Vision, a partner charity to Kreider Farms, aimed at empowering children and families around the world. I knew Dave for over 40 years going back almost to our St. Joe’s days. He was a good friend but more importantly a good person and I will miss seeing his name on my phone calling for a good industry chat. I know you are at peace, my friend.
Taking another trip around the sun this lovely month of September are: John Ruane, The Giant Company; Anthony Gigliotti, Boyer’s Markets; Nick Sborlini and Anne Marie Mozzone, Acme Markets; John Sweeney, Schmidt Baking; Fran Dolan, Herr Foods; Tom Kovacevich, TMK Produce; Lauren Eni Canseco, Dietz & Watson; Joe Gardyan, Utz Snacks; and Thom Nardi, Paradigm Partners. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “It’s the fight you put up that gets you where you want to go.” Sylvester Stallone
