Latest news with #Safeway
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Boost SNAP to make healthy eating easier
Vijay Das, Tribune News Service Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to make it harder for poor Americans to buy unhealthy food. Together with Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins, he is asking some 15 states to submit waivers to bar beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from using those funds to buy soda and other specific items. Unfortunately, this approach is unproductive, in part because it does nothing to make it easier for Americans to buy healthy food. The nation does face an obesity crisis. But banning SNAP beneficiaries from buying a Hostess cake at Safeway will not address it in any significant way. Families on SNAP purchase approximately the same amount of unhealthy food as those not enrolled in the program. Restricting SNAP is about stigmatizing people living in poverty, not helping them. A 2023 Cleveland Clinic study found that almost half of survey respondents considered the cost of healthy food to be the largest barrier to healthier diets. President Donald Trump's tariffs are expected to drive up the cost of groceries even further, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. SNAP is already inadequate to pay for the rising cost of groceries. SNAP provides only about $6 per person per day in food assistance. To make better food purchases more feasible for recipients, we need to increase SNAP payments, not cut them by imposing new rules and shifting responsibility to the states, as some Republican members of Congress are now looking to do. Evidence supports this strategy: When the child tax credit was expanded following the pandemic, low-income parents bought more healthy food with their extra cash. Poorer Americans (like richer ones) do buy too much junk food and consume too much ultra-processed crap — but the reasons are just as important as the facts. Poor families often lack access to stores that sell healthy fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, billboards for fast food restaurants blanket poorer neighbourhoods, with images of attractive people savoring deep fried treats and pounding highly caffeinated sugary drinks. Studies show poverty leads to increases in illness due to factors including the stress and financial strain of surviving with a shrinking safety-net and a lack of decent, stable paid work. With less access to healthy food and crafty ad campaigns targeting low-income youth, it's no wonder poor families dedicate a large portion of their spending to sugary and sodium-enriched junk. One model for expanding SNAP recipients' access to better, healthier food is already in place. The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive, launched as part of the 2014 Farm Bill, distributed more than $73 million to local SNAP incentive projects between 2015 and 2018. The program is now known as the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). In 2019, Congress set aside $250 million to fund GusNIP. Allocations since have varied but the program continues. GusNIP has a competitive grant program that funds state and local non-profit organisations to provide financial nutrition incentives that subsidise purchases of fruits and vegetables for SNAP customers. Less than 1% of SNAP beneficiaries can access GusNIP, however. We must expand the programme. SNAP's 'Double Bucks' programme, now operating in more than 25 states, also helps local farmers and families. This program provides SNAP participants with matching funds to purchase locally grown produce. Congress should also pass the Supporting All Healthy Options When Purchasing Produce (SHOPP) Act, a bipartisan bill backed by Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-AL, that increases SNAP incentives to buy frozen fruits and vegetables. If Kennedy wants to boost healthy eating, he should address nationwide poor nutrition at its root by boosting programs that drive consumption of whole foods, fruits and vegetables. We should teach healthier cooking practices. We should reduce the sticker shelf price tags of healthy groceries while encouraging buying fresh and frozen vegetables. As Kennedy and Rollins tour the nation, they'll learn that good jobs are scarce. Child care is difficult to find. Grocery stores with decent produce are not on most corners. Life is tough already, and we should help families in need leverage wide use of SNAP.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Safeway, Albertsons union workers to vote next weekend on possible strike
DENVER (KDVR) — Union employees of Safeway and Albertsons locations across the state are being asked to consider striking during a series of scheduled meetings that begin Friday. According to UFCW Local 7, which represents the union workers of Safeway and Albertsons, the company and union have been negotiating for eight months, most recently meeting on Friday, May 23. The union stated in an update posted to Facebook that Safeway agreed to 'important language items' sought by the bargaining committee, 'including a new drug and alcohol rehabilitation policy and protection of Drive Up and Go shopper work.' Consumer Reports: King Soopers is over-charging an average of 18% on some items But the union says that the company 'remains far behind' on certain economic issues the union has brought up. The union said the company is proposing: Lower wage increases than are being offered by competitors Health care cuts, 'along with increases that are too small to prevent even more mid-contract health care cuts' Pension contributions that 'would cut benefits for current workers and retirees' The union says the stores are understaffed and that the company is backtracking on an agreement for retroactive pay and benefit increases, which the labor union cited as an unfair labor practice. 'We have been bargaining with Safeway and Albertsons for eight months now,' UFCW Local 7 stated. 'Unfortunately, the company has chosen to follow the path of King Soopers and City Market by insisting that workers take unwarranted concessions. Workers have had enough and the bargaining committee is fed up.' Negotiations with Albertsons and Safeway are scheduled to resume on June 2 in Wheat Ridge. The union said other unfair labor practices include: Refusing to honor an extension agreement requiring the employer to make retroactive wage increases and benefit contributions Directly dealing with a worker to settle a grievance relating to a key bargaining matter, bypassing the union 'Covering up illegal no-poaching agreement with Kroger during the 2022 King Soopers strike' The Denver, Boulder, Louisville, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Conifer, Evergreen, Idaho Springs and Parker union store members will meet for a strike vote on Wednesday, June 4. Pueblo employees of Safeway are scheduled to hold a strike vote on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31. Stores in Vail, Salida, Grand Junction and Fountain have confirmed strike votes between May 30 and June 1. Union accuses King Soopers in lawsuit of violating agreement ending strike Earlier this year, thousands of King Soopers workers who were members of UFCW Local 7 went on strike, alleging unfair labor practices by the company. The 12-day strike, from Feb. 6 through 17, ended with an agreement allowing the union to return to the bargaining table with King Soopers for at least 100 days without any lockouts or further strike action. In April, the union filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that King Soopers and City Market violated the agreement. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dickey's Barbecue Serves Up Sizzling Retail Deals for National Barbecue Month
Safeway Shoppers in Denver Can Enjoy BOGO Deals on Pulled Chicken and Sliced Brisket Tray Packs Through May 28 Dickey's Barbecue Serves Up Sizzling Retail Deals for National Barbecue Month Denver, CO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit is making it easier than ever for fans to celebrate National Barbecue Month with exclusive retail promotions designed to bring authentic Texas-style barbecue straight to their kitchen tables. Now through May 28, shoppers in the Denver area can take advantage of a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offer on Dickey's Pulled Chicken and Sliced Brisket 16 oz Tray Pack Meats at participating Safeway stores. To support the campaign, Dickey's is also running a targeted print ad promotion throughout the Denver market just in time for cookouts, celebrations and Memorial Day gatherings. 'National Barbecue Month is about bringing people together over great food,' said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 'With our premium pulled chicken and sliced brisket available in stores, we're giving families an easy way to enjoy that slow-smoked, authentic flavor without ever firing up the smoker.' The featured 16 oz tray packs are part of Dickey's growing retail line, offering fully cooked, pit-smoked meats using the same time-honored recipes that made Dickey's famous. Whether it's for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, the pulled chicken and sliced brisket bring bold, tender flavor to any occasion. 'As we expand our reach in the retail space, promotions like this allow us to meet people where they are – in their homes, at their dinner tables, and in their neighborhood, grocery stores,' said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group. 'We're proud to offer the same quality and authenticity you'd get in our restaurants, now conveniently available in your local Safeway.' This retail push is part of Dickey's broader strategy to enhance its omnichannel presence, giving customers more ways to enjoy their favorite barbecue with ease and flexibility. 'Our goal is to make premium barbecue more accessible and more convenient than ever before,' said Shayla Partusch, VP of Purchasing and Retail at Dickey's Barbecue. 'These tray pack meats are perfect for busy families who want that signature Dickey's flavor without the hassle. The BOGO offer at Safeway is the perfect opportunity to try both options and stock up for summer.' To find participating retailers or learn more about Dickey's retail products, visit This National Barbecue Month, let Dickey's help you bring the pit to your plate—no smoker required. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can't be rushed. With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's 'Top 100 Movers and Shakers' for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. For more information, visit For franchise opportunities, visit Attachment Dickey's Barbecue Serves Up Sizzling Retail Deals for National Barbecue Month CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit lgarrett@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dickey's Barbecue Serves Up Sizzling Retail Deals for National Barbecue Month
Safeway Shoppers in Denver Can Enjoy BOGO Deals on Pulled Chicken and Sliced Brisket Tray Packs Through May 28 Dickey's Barbecue Serves Up Sizzling Retail Deals for National Barbecue Month Denver, CO, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit is making it easier than ever for fans to celebrate National Barbecue Month with exclusive retail promotions designed to bring authentic Texas-style barbecue straight to their kitchen tables. Now through May 28, shoppers in the Denver area can take advantage of a Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offer on Dickey's Pulled Chicken and Sliced Brisket 16 oz Tray Pack Meats at participating Safeway stores. To support the campaign, Dickey's is also running a targeted print ad promotion throughout the Denver market just in time for cookouts, celebrations and Memorial Day gatherings. 'National Barbecue Month is about bringing people together over great food,' said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. 'With our premium pulled chicken and sliced brisket available in stores, we're giving families an easy way to enjoy that slow-smoked, authentic flavor without ever firing up the smoker.' The featured 16 oz tray packs are part of Dickey's growing retail line, offering fully cooked, pit-smoked meats using the same time-honored recipes that made Dickey's famous. Whether it's for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, the pulled chicken and sliced brisket bring bold, tender flavor to any occasion. 'As we expand our reach in the retail space, promotions like this allow us to meet people where they are – in their homes, at their dinner tables, and in their neighborhood, grocery stores,' said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group. 'We're proud to offer the same quality and authenticity you'd get in our restaurants, now conveniently available in your local Safeway.' This retail push is part of Dickey's broader strategy to enhance its omnichannel presence, giving customers more ways to enjoy their favorite barbecue with ease and flexibility. 'Our goal is to make premium barbecue more accessible and more convenient than ever before,' said Shayla Partusch, VP of Purchasing and Retail at Dickey's Barbecue. 'These tray pack meats are perfect for busy families who want that signature Dickey's flavor without the hassle. The BOGO offer at Safeway is the perfect opportunity to try both options and stock up for summer.' To find participating retailers or learn more about Dickey's retail products, visit This National Barbecue Month, let Dickey's help you bring the pit to your plate—no smoker required. About Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by the Dickey family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world's largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For more than 80 years, Dickey's Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey's barbecued meats are paired with a variety of Southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey's never takes shortcuts — because real barbecue can't be rushed. With more than 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey's Barbecue Franchise and Dickey's Restaurant Brands continue to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Dickey's has been recognized on Newsweek's 2022 "America's Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation's Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today's 2021 Readers' Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual's 'Top 100 Movers and Shakers' for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology's Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine. For more information, visit For franchise opportunities, visit Attachment Dickey's Barbecue Serves Up Sizzling Retail Deals for National Barbecue Month CONTACT: Louisa Garrett Dickey's Barbecue Pit lgarrett@
Business Journals
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Tres Picosos Brings Bold, Authentic Burritos to Safeway's Colorado Stores
Tres Picosos, creator of authentic, flavorful Mexican burritos, is now available in Safeway stores across Colorado, marking the company's first retail grocery store availability. More than 120 Safeway stores in the Rocky Mountain division now carry four of Tres Picosos' mouth-watering flavors: Bacon Breakfast, Sausage Breakfast, Fajita Chicken and Pork Carnitas. Tres Picosos burritos offer Mexican food lovers a convenient and nutritious option — perfect for a quick meal at home or on the go. The products are available in Safeway's frozen meat section. Jane Hartgrove, la jefa (Spanish for 'the boss') at Tres Picosos, says Safeway is the perfect partner because both companies prioritize fresh, delicious food. 'Now our burritos are available to even more people,' Hartgrove noted. 'Safeway is an excellent retailer with a tremendous presence in the West and a strong family of brands, making them the ideal retailer for our burritos.' True to its name, a Spanish play on 'three spicy ones,' Tres Picosos gourmet-style burritos deliver a bold, balanced spice in every bite. Each individually wrapped burrito is packed with quality ingredients, featuring more filling and less tortilla for maximum satisfaction. Thanks to its distribution with Safeway, Hartgrove said burrito lovers can enjoy the company's flavorful burritos and feel good about their choices. 'Tres Picosos burritos are a healthier on-the-go option rather than processed fast food,' she said. Can't make it to Safeway? Tres Picosos burritos also are available through Instacart, allowing fans to stock up their freezer or quickly satisfy a craving without leaving home.
