Gourmet News

USDA Invites Producers, Stakeholders to Urban Agriculture Meeting

Published January 30, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to virtually attend the fourth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on Feb. 23.

“Since last year, the Federal Advisory Committee has been a source of valuable, on the ground information and recommendations for USDA,” said Terry Cosby, chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, which houses USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. “This meeting will help us better serve urban and innovative producers and their communities.”

The Committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture and innovative agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Members include agricultural producers and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing. Three public meetings of the Committee were held in 2022.

Topics include:

Addressing previous public comments.
Subcommittee and committee deliberations.
Public forum.

The meeting will be held from 3:30-6 p.m. ET on Feb. 23. To attend virtually, register by Feb. 23 on the Committee’s webpage.

Written comments for the urban agriculture meeting must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 9 through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Docket #2022-24020.

For special accommodations, contact Markus Holliday at UrbanAgricultureFederalAdvisoryCommittee@usda.gov.  \

USDA will share the agenda between 24 to 48 hours prior to the meeting on https://www.usda.gov/partnerships/federal-advisory-committee-urban-ag. Additionally, other resources include the Federal Register notice and the Committee’s webpage.

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Exhibitors at Winter Fancy Food Donate Nearly $33K Pounds of Food

Published January 30, 2023

Nearly 33,000 pounds of food was collected from the Winter Fancy Food Show’s more than 1,100 exhibitors after the show ended and were donated to Three Square Food Bank, Southern Nevada’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization. In total, 32,831 pounds of food was collected.

“It’s a tradition for the Specialty Food Association to end its Fancy Food Shows with food rescue,” said Jennifer Carney, director of tradeshow operations for the SFA. “Our members looked forward to sharing their bounty with Three Square, an organization that works tirelessly to support people in their community.”

The donations of specialty foods and beverages included plant-based, meat, and cheese products, confections, bread, coffee, tea, oils, vinegars, pasta, snacks, and more.

“While 1 in 7 Southern Nevadans is struggling with hunger, we are lucky to have consistent engagement from generous partners all over the country,” said Three Square Food Bank Interim President and CEO Michelle Beck. “With donations provided by the SFA Winter Fancy Food Show, we’re able to distribute additional meals to our neighbors in need. We appreciate their efforts as this level of support allows us to pursue a hunger-free community.”

For coverage of the Winter Fancy Food show, check out the March issue of Gourmet News. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!

Black Rock Coffee to Open 30th Store in Arizona

Published January 30, 2023

Black Rock founders Daniel Brand (L) and Jeff Hernandez (R)

Black Rock Coffee Bar, a fast-growing coffee chain that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks, will open its newest store, a drive-thru-only store, in the Phoenix metro area. Founded in Oregon with more than 100 stores across seven states, Arizona is Black Rock Coffee Bar’s second largest market behind the Northwest. The boutique coffee chain has 30 stores in Arizona with 25 located in the Phoenix metro area.

Located at 2260 W. Glendale Ave., just off Interstate 17, the 800 square-foot- drive-thru-only store is set to open on Friday, Feb. 3. To celebrate its grand opening, Black Rock will offer all customers $2 medium drinks all day at this location as well as other specials throughout the following week.

“In the last two years, we have accelerated our growth in Arizona,” said Jeff Hernandez, co-founder and executive chairman of Black Rock Coffee Bar. “Our plan is to keep going – to open more locations in the Grand Canyon State so that we can continue to serve and connect with the Arizona community, culture, and people. We are thrilled to open a drive-thru only store that is conveniently located off Interstate 17. It’s perfect for people and families on the go.”

With 118 stores across the United States, the popular coffee chain is guided by three principles – coffee, community and connection. Its mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves.

Founded in 2008 in Portland, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. This year, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 837th among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Annual List.

The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills.

Read about how in coffee culture, attitude is everything in the January issue of Gourmet News.