Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

ChapStick has selected Alex Morgan, Olympic gold medalist and member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, as its latest brand ambassador. Morgan will serve as the first brand spokesperson in more than a decade and will appear in national television and print advertising, set to debut Nov. 4.

The product focus for the start of Morgan’s two-year partnership is ChapStick Hydration Lock. 

Hot Pockets is promoting its revamped sandwich line with the help of supermodel Kate Upton and rapper Snoop Dogg. The pair has teamed up in a parody music video called “You Got What I Eat” — a remix of Biz Markie’s 1989 hit single “Just a Friend (You Got What I Need).”

The music video highlights the brand’s re-launch of its Hot Pockets sandwiches which feature 100% Angus Beef and Hickory Ham, real cheese and buttery seasoned crusts.

Folgers is leveraging social media for its latest ad campaign, called “The Best Part.” The interactive strategy encourages users of the brand to read and share positive news through social news feeds.

Leading food company ConAgra is out with its 2013 Citizenship Report detailing progress on a three-pronged citizenship platform of, “good for you, good for the community and good for the planet.”

The report is intended to show how the company is doing good through food while delivering growth for shareholders and is available here.

Ahold USA-owned supermarket chain Giant Food Stores celebrated its 90th birthday.

The supermarket banner, which operates nearly 200 stores under the Giant and Martin's Food Markets brands in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, marked its anniversary Friday morning at a store in its hometown of Carlisle, Pa. Customers at all the company's 200 stores will receive free slices of cake and free apple slices Friday.

Home furnishings retailer West Elm is opening a retail store in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 10 — it’s first ever location in the state.

The nearly 8,000-sq.ft. store located in the Summit Birmingham shopping center will feature the brand’s mix of furniture, home décor, gifts and artist collaborations. The store will also feature an assortment of local handcrafted products sourced through Etsy.com, including one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting, leather goods and wall art.

Sam’s Club maintains its emphasis on health care this month with a traffic-generating promotion tied in with breast cancer awareness.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Sam's Club is offering free women's health screenings to members and non-members on Saturday, October 12 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at its 576 clubs which contain a pharmacy.