$19 billion Coronavirus Assistance Program to Support Food Producers Announced

Program will provide financial assistance and finance massive purchases of food

Apr 17th, 2020

The USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, a $19 billion relief program, has been announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Farmers, ranchers, and food producers who have experienced "unprecedented losses" will receive $16 billion in direct payments, while $3 billion will be used to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat products that will to be distributed to Americans in need.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Plants should modify processing lines so that workers are at least six feet apart in all directions and do not face each other. Image courtesy of CDC.

New CDC Interim Guidance for Meat and Poultry Workers

Plants should modify processing lines so that workers are at least six feet apart in all directions and do not face each other. A qualified workplace coordinator should be identified who will be responsible for COVID-19 assessment and control planning.

Flowers Foods Brands

Flowers Foods Temporarily Closes Bakery Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Producer of Nature's Own, Wonder, Tastykake, Dave’s Killer Bread, and other bakery foods shuts down production at facility because of increase in the number of cases at the site.

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Recycling Takes Another Hit During Pandemic, Part II

The Coronavirus pandemic is creating a growing waste crisis even as we see images of the earth’s environment clearing from less pollution. A few months into the crisis, and the numbers are staggering.

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Virtual FAT Guidelines from OpX

The OpX Leadership Network releases best practices and leadership guidelines for executing virtual factory acceptance tests (vFATs), to address the changing operational landscape brought on by COVID-19.

Global Meat Industry Hammered by COVID-19

Meat processing and packaging plants continue to be world-wide coronavirus hot spots.

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Hershey's Unwraps their COVID-19 strategy with employees and suppliers

Hershey’s Josh Becker sat down with PMMI’s Sean Riley to talk about a customer’s perspective on how Hershey is handling visits from suppliers, training and service issues.

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Despite COVID-19 global packaging market expected to grow.

Euromonitor International analysts anticipated growth in 2020 for most key goods categories that use packaging, despite the impact of COVID-19, at Webinar organized by EXPO PACK México and Mundo PMMI.

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Hershey's Expectations for Suppliers during COVID-19

Hershey's Josh Becker explains how the chocolate giant has adapted and what it expects from visitors to its facilities.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Just Made recently experienced a 50% to 60% increase in the sales of its cold-pressed juices, which undergo HPP.

Sales Spike for HPP Products During COVID-19 Pandemic

Consumers in quarantine are snapping up HPP food and beverages because they offer extended shelf life and food safety as they wait out the crisis.

Virtual Townhall entitled “What Does Back to Work Look Like for Field Service Technicians?

Field Service Technician Travel During COVID-19

What does back to work look like for field service technicians who are heading back out into the field?

UnPACKed with PMMI Update on PACK EXPO International & Healthcare Packaging EXPO,

OEM COVID-19 #14 - Update on PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO

PMMI's Laura Thompson shares the latest and greatest on planning for November's event, including variables like virtual and hybrid options.

Nancy Cobb, Owner, Organizational Development Consultant, Partners in Possibilities

OEM COVID-19 #13 - Adapting Industry Training During COVID-19

Typical industry training will be anything but typical as companies pivot to fit new safety guidelines.

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Leuze Jumps on ‘Alternating Quarantine’ Concept to Keep Business on Track

The sensor supplier is defying recession forecasts by keeping its workers on a rotating shift model, keeping them socially distanced and avoiding Kurzarbeit, Germany’s short-term work program.

How Amcor Prepared as Regions Reopen during COVID-19

OEM COVID-19 #12 - Readiness Tips as Regions Reopen

Vice president of safety shares the global policies that have helped Amcor's 35,000-plus employees return to work as safely as possible.

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Virtual Reality Is Now the Real Deal

We are fortunate to live in an era where digital communication is quick and easy, and allows some of us to keep our jobs while working at home. In the near future, remote work will not be considered working virtually.

Tyson Foods Shuts Pork Plant due to COVID-19

Facility has temporarily closed despite President Trump’s order to keep slaughterhouses open to protect country’s food supply.

Software Safely Manages Potentially Virus-Carrying Packaging

As the apparel retail industry opens its doors, phased re-openings hinge on a safe shopping environment. Inventory Quarantine software from Checkpoint ensures incoming inventory rests long enough to negate virus transmission on packaging.

Perdue Farms Shares CDC Report After Virginia Facility Tours

CDC recommends installing pump-free hand sanitizers, touchless timeclocks, airflow studies, and continuing virus safety measures already in place.

Jorge Izquierdo breaks down the present state of the industry, with a positive eye towards a post COVID-19 world.

OEM COVID-19 #11 - State of the Packaging & Processing Industry

PMMI's Jorge Izquierdo predicts promising times ahead for packaging and processing despite current COVID-19 climate

The wearable Kinexon SafeTag warns the user, audibly and visually, when the physical distance with another employee has been compromised.

Technology Steps Forward for Social Distancing

As more manufacturers are allowed to resume production amid the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping their workers distanced will be key to keeping them healthy. Here are some innovations to help achieve that.

More in COVID-19

New Guidance on Voluntary Reporting of Temporary Closures During Pandemic

In many cases, FDA may not be aware that firms are temporarily closed or need to close as a result of the pandemic.

Workers wear masks and gloves, keep social distance during COVID-19 pandemic.

Evolving Pandemic Requires Constant Evaluation at J. M. Smucker

In addition to implementing extensive sanitation measures and temperature screenings at its locations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep employees safe, the company has introduced hardship pay and other benefits.

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Barry-Wehmiller Packaging Systems to Host Virtual Exhibit Hall

Online showcase brings a complete packaging equipment experience directly to customers.

FDA announces latest actions taken in response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic

Documents detail personal protective equipment recommendations and flexibility in labeling requirements.

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Technology Built for the Open Road Hits the Plant Floor

General Mills turns to Sena Technologies—known for its Bluetooth motorcycle helmets—to train machine operators while social distancing.

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Near-Term Technology Expansion in the Food and Beverage Industries

Remote access and robotics are two areas in the Food and Beverage industries that are poised to see some growth moving into 2021, though the industries as a whole are expected to contract.

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Economic Outlook: 2020 and Beyond

Discussing the current economic outlook amidst a “double black swan event,” Alex Chausovsky of ITR Economics presented “Guidance in an Uncertain Economy” last week as part of PMMI’s Executive Leadership Conference.

Boombox-Inspired Shippers Reinforce ‘Soda with Soul’ Proposition

With the COVID-19 lockdown, U.K. craft soda company Dalston’s unveils new shippers for its growing online sales that pay homage to its music roots, while introducing new consumers to the brands’ values and personality.

Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management

Supply Chains Race to Match Shifting COVID-19 Consumer Behavior

Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management, discusses what retailers can expect in terms of changing consumer behavior—namely a shift away from commercial/foodservice, and toward e-commerce and retail.

PepsiCo Working around Shortages

Company introduces direct-to-consumer service to deliver products and meet increased demand during pandemic.

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Food Processing and Packaging Industry Turns to Remote Access and Virtual Factory Acceptance Tests

OpX Leadership network takes a key role in preparing CPGs and OEMs for life after Covid-19 with tools on Remote Access and Virtual FATs.

CBA Announces Critical Infrastructure Supply Chain Council

Unites industry groups to address short- and long-term supply chain weaknesses amid coronavirus crisis