Supermarket/Grocery

Whole Foods Market is kicking off summer with a slew of promotions designed to appeal to the shopper who keeps a healthy lifestyle.

From June 24 to June 30, the retailer’s Whole Body departments will host events, classes, demonstrations and promotions* to showcase Whole Foods Market’s large selection of active living products—from protein powders and superfoods to sun-care and reusable water bottles.

A notable shift is underway at crowdsourced grocery delivery company Instacart where an evolving business model means some independent contractor workers have gained part-time employee status.

After experimenting with converting independent contractors to part-time employees in Boston, the company also has made the shift in Chicago. Other cities are expected to follow given what Instacart says is a favorable impact on customer service and business results.

The Walmart Foundation is making a big statement in support of free school meal and education programs.

The organization will give away $15.5 million in grants to seven national nonprofits to support free meal and nutrition education programs this summer and throughout the school year. The programs in more than 7,700 communities across the country will help over 1 million low-income children and their families gain access to critical meals and teach them how to cook and eat healthy together.

San Francisco - Instacart, is giving some contract workers the opportunity to become part-time employees. After a successful pilot Boston, the company is now giving its personal shoppers in some cities the option to convert from contractor to employee status.

Wallingford, Conn. — Edible Arrangements International has named Tony DiPippa as CFO.

DiPippa replaces former CFO George Wilson, who moves over to support Edible Arrangements founder and CEO Tariq Farid in the expansion of Edible Brands and  his other ventures, including Netsolace, Broadpeak and Naranga.

Cincinnati —The Kroger Co.’s King Soopers division is tapping into consumers’ growing appetite for food delivery and natural and organic products with a new digital initiative.

The company has launched a new website that offers over 36,000 natural and organic products for customers who live in and around the Denver metro area. Every product is free from more than 101 artificial ingredients and preservatives that many customers prefer to be left out of products.

The King Soopers grocery chain is trying to meet rising demand for fresh food delivery with a new digital initiative.

King Soopers, a division of the Kroger Co. has launched an e-commerce website KingSoopers.com/LiveNaturally.

Kroger turned in a stunning first quarter same store sales performance while expanding omnichannel and convenience capabilities designed to extend a comp streak now well into the 11^th year.

Same store sales rose 5.7% excluding fuel in the first quarter ended May 23. Net income attributable to Kroger rose to $619 million, or $1.25 per share, in the first quarter, from $501 million, or 98 cents per share, a year earlier.