SOUTHWEST, UNITED STATES - This isn’t your usual June dry spell. Coming off a weekend of flash flooding in northern Colorado, the Southwest is bracing for more unsettled skies, and produce suppliers might want to pay attention. AccuWeather meteorologists say lingering tropical moisture from former Tropical Storm Alvin is combining with a second low-pressure system to send thunderstorms scattering from California to Montana.

"A low pressure area tapping into moisture from the Gulf of California and, additionally, moisture from the eastern Pacific being brought north by former Tropical Storm Alvin will cause thunderstorms in the Desert Southwest through Thursday," explained AccuWeather Meteorologist Jacob Hinson.

Flash flooding in dry creek beds, gusty winds kicking up dust, and lightning strikes across outdoor operations could all cause disruptions. Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern Nevada look to take the brunt early in the week, with higher elevations in Idaho and Montana entering the mix by midweek. Moisture will begin to retreat south by Friday.

"As moisture expands over the next few days, thunderstorms can extend as far north as Idaho and southern Montana. These thunderstorms will not be as strong but can certainly prompt flash flooding, especially across area that have had very little in the way of rain this year," said Hinson.

The news source stated that, although the storms may pose challenges, the rain will be beneficial in the long run, as much of the region has experienced extreme drought.

Check ANUK for storm-driven impacts as the system moves north.

HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, announced the launch of its annual Summer and Back-to-School Fundraising Campaign: Nourish Their Potential. The campaign aims to provide thousands of children and families in under-resourced communities with access to healthy food, nutrition education, and wellness resources as schools close for summer and prepare to reopen in the fall.

As part of a broader $1.5 trillion federal spending reduction proposal currently under consideration in the Senate, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is at risk of being eliminated. The implications of such a decision would be devastating to the program. SNAP-Ed is a cornerstone of funding in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. Together, this represents over 40% of Brighter Bites’ overall funding, which is $4.3 million. It appears inevitable that if this proposal moves forward, Brighter Bites would lose the resources needed to sustain its presence in these communities, impacting over 163,000 individuals. That means fewer families receiving fresh produce, fewer children gaining essential nutrition education, and a missed opportunity to build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Rallying support is more important now than ever.

“This campaign is about more than meals—it’s about giving kids the fuel they need to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Lindsay Jenkins, Director of Development at Brighter Bites, in a recent press release. “With support from the community and our partners, we can reach more families than ever this year.”

Brighter Bites is actively seeking produce companies and distributors to support Brighter Bites’ work by donating fresh fruits and vegetables to support fall programming. Food banks across the country are facing increased demand while struggling with reduced federal support and fewer donations. This decline in resources has taken a toll on the quantity and variety of produce that Brighter Bites is able to provide for families participating in the program, making the support of the produce industry critical. Contributions of any size are welcome and will directly support the distribution of weekly produce bags for families throughout the school year.

Companies interested in partnering can contact Amy Priebe at [email protected] or visit www.brighterbites.org/produce-partners to learn more and pledge a donation.

How to Support the Campaign:

• Donate: Make a one-time or recurring gift online at www.brighterbites.org/nourishtheirpotential
• Partner: Produce companies can donate product and help scale our impact
• Spread the Word: Share our campaign with friends, coworkers, and your social networks

Together, we can ensure that every child returns to school healthy, strong, and ready to succeed.

For more information about how to support the campaign, visit www.brighterbites.org/nourishtheirpotential, or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube.

AMADO, AZ - Wholesum, a leader in organic produce innovation, is thrilled to announce the launch of its revolutionary new snacking tomato, Lil’Ones. Smaller than the average snacking tomato and bursting with flavor, these pearl-sized tomatoes are poised to become a game-changer in the organic snacking category.

Packaged in convenient 4oz easy-peel top seal packs of mixed colors (red and yellow), these tomatoes are the perfect grab and go snack, ideal for healthy, on the move lifestyles. A press release stated that their delightful flavor and versatile nature make them a must-have for any occasion, whether enjoyed straight from the pack, tossed into salads, or used as a flavorful garnish, they will always bring a handful of smiles!

"The launch of Lil'Ones is a groundbreaking moment for us and the organic produce industry," states Ricardo Crisantes, Chief Commercial Officer. "We’ve taken the joy of organic tomatoes and made it even more exciting by offering something smaller, sweeter, and more convenient. They are truly unique in the marketplace, small and candy-like to surprise and delight with every bite. Our customers will love their flavor and versatility, and we’re excited to bring this first-to-market product to organic shoppers."

Lil’Ones will be available year-round, with initial shipments already underway. As excitement builds around the product, Wholesum is preparing to scale production with expanded volumes planned for late fall 2025. Early interest has been strong, and the company is actively working with partners to ensure steady availability as demand grows. Now is the perfect time for retailers to get on board and bring this joyful new snacking option to their customers.

"We are proud to bring the first organic pearl tomato to market," added Kristina Federico-Luna. "The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of organic produce, offering organic consumers more options that also deliver on a great sensory experience!"

As the first of their kind in the organic space, Lil'Ones represent the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. With their smaller size and distinctive flavor profile, these tomatoes are poised to become a favorite for those looking for a fun and flavorful way to eat healthier.

This July, Wholesum will showcase Lil’Ones with a bold presence at the Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, CA, inviting the industry to experience firsthand how this playful tomato redefines organic snacking. The launch is part of a broader campaign celebrating “the lil’ things” – a reminder to savor life’s small, joyful moments. With their bright colors, vibrant flavor, and portability, Lil’Ones are the perfect companion for those everyday delights that transport us somewhere.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Jaspo Inc. (Jaspo) for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). Jaspo, operating from Wash., allegedly failed to make payment promptly to seven produce sellers in the amount of $401,276 from Oct. 2023 through Feb. 2024.

Jaspo will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Further, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].