Nonfoods

SCHENECTADY, NY -- Price Chopper this week is launching two exclusive co-branded cereals under the Price Chopper and Newman's Own labels, the proceeds of which will support local camps for kids with life-threatening disabilities.

ST. LOUIS - As consumer demand for all natural and organic food further intensifies, Schnuck Markets here has stepped up its offering of such products with a new signature line of 120 all-natural and organic products in the grocery, dairy, and frozen foods departments.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A former Price Chopper store manager was sentenced in federal court here to 30 months in prison last week for taking part in a scheme to defraud such food companies as Tropicana and ConAgra, according to published reports.

NATICK, Mass. -- In the wake of less-than-stellar sales and a shakeup that saw the abrupt departure of chairman and c.e.o. Mike Wedge late last year, BJ's Wholesale Clubs, Inc. said yesterday that it was planning major business restructuring, including the closure of the company's two ProFood Restaurant Supply locations and all 46 of its in-club pharmacies; and the return of some familiar faces to its executive team.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Spartan Stores based here opened its first D&W Quick Stop convenience and fueling center in Caledonia, Mich., adjacent to the D&W Fresh Market there.

MONTVALE, N.J. -- The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. here is opening an 11,000-square-foot store SuperFresh store today in downtown Baltimore. According to A&P, the state-of-the-art location showcases "an enticing selection of fresh foods and groceries tailored to the area's customers."

DALLAS -- With an estimated 60 percent of Americans tipping the scales as overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and scores of people resolving to improve their health this year, 7-Eleven expanded its offering of "better-for-you" foods at its 7,100 stores to include more fruits, vegetables, salads, sugar-free Slurpees, and portion- and calorie-controlled foods.

BOULDER, Colo. -- Eating well for healthy aging, organic farming, winter skin care, and natural pet food are among the topics covered in a new free consumer publication launched yesterday by natural and organic foods retailer Wild Oats Markets, Inc., based here.