Newswatch 2009-08-10 (1)

DAVID BALL IN SUSTAINABLE AG FILM

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — David Ball, president and owner of Ball's Hen House Markets and Ball's Price Chopper stores here, has appeared in a documentary film that makes a strong case for expanding the role of locally grown and raised foods in U.S. agriculture. Ball, who has long offered his customers a large variety of local products grown and raised under eco-friendly and humane conditions, is shown in one of his stores. As he walks the aisles, he points out and comments on fresh items he makes available by partnering with a network of local farmers who practice sustainable farming. Author Michael Pollan and Will Allen, founder of Growing Power Inc., are among others who add commentary in the film. Directed by Ana Joanes, “Fresh — The Movie,” has received acclaim in the consumer press after screenings throughout the country that began earlier this year. More information is available at freshthemovie.com.

SCHNUCKS HONORED FOR SAFETY

GRAPEVINE, Texas — Schnuck Markets officials last month received the Black Pearl food safety award from the International Association for Food Protection during a ceremony here at the 96th annual meeting of the IAFP. In attendance were Mary Francis France, Schnucks' food safety specialist; Mary Ann Goris, food safety supervisor; Scott Schnuck, chairman and chief executive officer; David Bell, treasurer; Mary Moorkamp, Schnucks' secretary and general counsel; Dianna Pasley, director of food safety; Cherie Smith, food safety specialist; and Lori Willis, director of communications. Des Moines, Iowa-based IAFP has given The Black Pearl award to a single recipient annually for the past 15 years, in recognition of corporate excellence in food safety. Previous winners include Wegmans, H.E. Butt Grocery, Ecolab, DuPont, Kraft Foods and Disney.