FMI lauds Publix, Weis, First Alternative

Food Marketing Institute presented its Gold Plate Awards this week at FMI Connect, with First Alternative Co-op, Weis Markets and Publix Super Markets taking the top prizes.

The award recognizes FMI retailer and wholesaler members “who are helping their customers easily make family mealtime a regular occasion,” the association said.

“Families’ ability to reconnect and share a meal is the foundation of the food retail industry,” said Cathy Polley, VP of health and wellness at FMI and the executive director of the FMI Foundation. “FMI’s Gold Plate Award winners demonstrate the innovative programs that empower shoppers for mealtime.”

The 2014 Gold Plate Award winners are:

Category A (1-49 stores)

• First Alternative Co-op

Corvallis, Ore.-based First Alternative Co-op’s Budget Bites is an ongoing program based on a simple-to-follow weekly menu plan, shopping list and recipes for a family of two adults, all under $50 per week.

Category B (50 – 199 stores)

• Weis Markets Healthy Bites

Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis seeks to make family meals easier and healthier with a company-wide, comprehensive, multi-media program of meal solutions, recipes and healthy eating advice that centers on a 16-page fully customized magazine both in print and online.

Category C (200 stores)

• Publix Aprons Simple Meals

The importance of family togetherness is overtly messaged in the Aprons Simple Meals program from Publix. The program features new meal ideas weekly, specifically developed to simplify planning, preparation and clean up. Meal ideas are made accessible through multiple media channels, including circulars, online and in-store.

The 2014 Gold Plate Awards were announced at FMI Connect. Winners each received $1,000 and a commemorative trophy.