FMI members are watching the pilot closely and awaiting their turn to enter the ecommerce market. While others are experimenting with different ways to serve their SNAP customers, FNS has permitted retailers to enable “click, collect and pay” for SNAP and WIC customers.

Last Friday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued an emergency declaration that allows for motor carriers to be exempted from existing hours of service requirements for those responding to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) support.

The inevitability of change is especially true when it comes to food production — whether it relates to impactful events ranging from weather extremes to global virus outbreaks or shifting consumer tastes. All of the above have affected the market for fresh produce, to different degrees and concerns. Supply chain disruptions due to world health issues have presented immediate issues, and ones that are still being navigated by growers and farmers, distributors and retailers. Time will tell how it plays out, but efforts will be concerted and ongoing at all levels.

Visual appeal may be even more important in this category, in fact, than in other types of foods, fresh or packaged. Like many (most?) shoppers, I’ve been known to take my time picking out an avocado or a bunch of bananas, based on what appeals to me at first glance. It’s less about perfection – what is “perfect” produce, anyway? – and more about personal interest.