July 8, 2020
MWFPA is closely monitoring changing news about COVID-19 and has created a resource page to assist food manufacturers and supply chain partners.

The MWFPA COVID-19 Update is Underwritten by Alliant Energy
 EPA: 2 LYSOL PRODUCTS FOUND TO KILL CORONAVIRUS

Reckitt Benckiser's Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist are the first disinfectants proven to destroy the coronavirus on surfaces during testing by the Environmental Protection Agency. More Lysol brands are undergoing testing to gauge their efficacy against the virus, said Ferran Rousaud, marketing director for Lysol, in a statement. Read More

Source: Reuters

 COVID-19 RAMPS UP DESIRE FOR INCREASED SHIPMENT VISIBILITY

The COVID-19 crisis has increased the desire for greater visibility into all of the fresh food supply chain. That’s according to Jeff Newman, vice president of transportation, logistics and chain visibility for Irvine, Calif.-based CalAmp. He said the pinched supply chains during the crisis have created a greater sense of urgency for real-time shipment and supply chain visibility. CalAmp offers route optimization technology to help drivers in a variety of scenarios, such as navigating closure of truck stops, and provides real-time updates on efficient routing through loading and unloading locations. The company also offers tracking technology for equipment and sensors to monitor temperature of cargo. Read More at AgWeb

Source: Michael Best Strategies

HAYS COMPANIES COVID-19 LIVE STREAM SERIES-JULY 10

The next installment of Hays Companies' COVID-19 live stream series will take place this Friday, July 10 at 1:00 pp.m. The expert panel will cover the following topics:

  • Clinical and Medical Response Update
  • COVID-19 Testing: FAQs and Cost to Plan
  • Hurricane Preparedness During the Pandemic
SURVEY: ILLINOIS MANUFACTURERS RESILIENT THROUGH PANDEMIC

Illinois manufacturers reported layoffs, supply chain disruptions, and closures from the COVID-19 pandemic, however, most are rebounding, according to a new poll. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Survey of Business Conditions interviewed hundreds of manufacturers in Illinois and Michigan between May 20 and June 5. Many manufacturers were deemed essential through the spring closure orders, with some ramping up production of pandemic-fighting products. Others, including auto manufacturers, closed temporarily. Nearly all respondents to the survey reported revenue losses. Survey

Source: Illinois Daily Herald

ILLINOIS GOVERNOR PRITZKER'S COVID-19 EXECUTIVE ORDER

As was noted last week, a Clay County Judge has issued an order to invalidate all Governor Pritzker's Executive Orders regarding COVID-19 guidelines, including limitations on the number of people allowed to gather one time and reopening timeframes. While the Illinois Attorney General takes this case to a higher court, the Governor's Office has claimed that this ruling was not a final judgement and has no injunction. Until there is more certainty and clarity in the full scope of this decision, the IMA encourages its members to continue to follow the Phase 4 guidelines .  

Source: Illinois Manufacturers Assn

CDC TESTING STRATEGIES IN THE WORKPLACE-WEBINAR, JULY 16

The Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA) is hosting a webinar on July 16, at 3 p.m EDT. where CDC experts will explain their testing guidance and answer questions provided to CDC in advance. This is a special webinar geared to the food industry that was organized by AFFI for FBIA on testing strategies for the coronavirus in high-density critical infrastructure workplaces after a COVID-19 case is identified.  


Source: AFFI

AFTER A SPRING LIKE NO OTHER, THE QUESTION FOR GENERAL MILLS IS HOW TO KEEP IT GOING

Profit also surged as General Mills was able to keep production going, unlike some food processors, and increase it at most plants. In the process, General Mills kept workers safe. The firm has tracked 120 or so COVID-19 cases among its 70,000 employees worldwide since the outbreak began early this year. Read more

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

ALLIANT ENERGY HELPS WISCONSIN'S DAIRY FARMS AND FAMILIES

In conjunction with National Dairy Month in June, Alliant Energy and its Foundation announced a $20,000 donation to two Wisconsin food banks that will benefit dairy farmers and communities throughout “America’s Dairyland.”

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin will use the funds to purchase healthy dairy products from dairy producers in communities served by Alliant Energy. The food banks will then distribute the products to families in need.
These funds provide an economic boost to Wisconsin’s dairy farmers and dairy industry. The donation will allow farmers and producers to benefit financially from the purchase of the products and help to prevent wasted milk.

Dairy products are highly requested items at food banks. Due to the need to keep dairy products refrigerated, they are difficult to donate, stock and distribute. This $20,000 donation will allow the food banks to buy products when they are needed most to make sure they stay fresh. 


GRANTS FROM ALLIANT ENERGY SUPPORT COMMUNITIES


A total of 128 organizations in Wisconsin have received community grants of over $300,000 from Alliant Energy and its Foundation. These spring cycle grants are supporting over 60 different communities throughout Wisconsin.

“We know our nonprofit partners need our support now more than ever,” said Julie Bauer, Executive Director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. “In partnership with these organizations, we are supporting our customers and the communities we serve in creative ways and helping to make life better for others.”

The grants fund projects in four key areas: Helping Families, Education, Environment and Public Safety.

A full list of the 2020 grant recipients can be found at  alliantenergy.com/energyforgood.



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Midwest Food Products Association | Ph: (608) 255-9946 | Fax: (608) 255-9838
Web: www.mwfpa.org