News Briefs

To honor the service and sacrifices of Americans who served in the armed forces, Walgreens is offering a weekend Independence Day discount to all veterans, active-duty military personnel and their immediate family members, including the families of those who lost their lives in service to their country.

Beginning July 1 through July 4, customers with a myWalgreens membership and valid military ID or proof of service will receive 20% off regularly priced products at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.

The myWalgreens customer loyalty platform membership is free and can be obtained at checkout, the company said. 

Walgreens stores will be open during regular business hours on Independence Day. For patient needs, 24-hour Walgreens pharmacies will be open, and select non-24-hour pharmacies will be open with modified hours.

Hilco is continuing its partnership for the fourth consecutive year with Kraft Heinz, with the launch of a new line of Kool-Aid brand candy.

The latest from the Louisville, Ky.-based company are Kool-Aid Sour Belts, which come in four flavors — tropical punch, cherry, grape and strawberry kiwi.

Featuring a dusted flat licorice-like texture, the candy is suitable for all ages and comes in a 3.5-oz. bag that retails for $1.99.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that Jonathan Swan, national political reporter at Axios, will speak at the NACDS Political Involvement Reception during the NACDS Total Store Expo 2022, taking place from Aug. 27 to 29 in Boston.

Swan is regarded as one of the best-sourced reporters covering both political parties in Washington, D.C., and one of the most groundbreaking interviewers on American television, NACDS said.

Swan serves as the lead reporter on the “Axios on HBO” show, during which he has interviewed global leaders — including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, director general of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Iraq President Barham Salih and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan — as well as influential democratic and republican leaders in the United States, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky).

[Read more: NACDS to host listening sessions prior to White House conference on hunger, nutrition, health]

Swan’s 2020 “Axios on HBO” interview with President Trump — which was seen and shared by more than 100 million people — earned him an Emmy Award and the 2022 Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage.

“Jonathan Swan has distinguished himself as one of the most preeminent, political storytellers of our time, and we look forward to the unique insights he will offer on the current political environment, as we rapidly approach Election Day,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “Jonathan will bring tremendous value to the signature NACDS-PAC event during the NACDS Total Store Expo.”

The bipartisan NACDS-PAC supports congressional candidates who understand and help to advance pro-pharmacy and pro-patient policies. The event is open to NACDS-PAC contributors and invited guests.

[Read more: NACDS, 93 groups urge continued access to pandemic-related services at pharmacies]

NACDS urges member company representatives to register now for the fast-approaching 2022 NACDS Total Store Expo.

Kellogg’s Special K is looking to take the worry out of snacking with its new protein snack bars line.

Featuring 6 g of protein and 90 calories per bar, the protein snack bars are designed to help consumers find easy ways to refuel and reenergize while on the go, the Battle Creek, Mich.-based company said.

“Sometimes you just need a second to pause and do something for yourself that’s going to energize you. At Special K, we love to offer that special combination of indulgent-tasting flavors plus functional ingredients like protein in a portable snack that’s perfect for stashing in your bag, car or desk drawer,” said Heidi Ray, senior director of brand marketing at Kellogg’s portable wholesome snacks. “Our new Special K Protein Snack Bars are a delicious mini option you can feel good about enjoying, so you’re able to take a moment and get a little boost of energy to help fuel you for whatever your day has in store.”

Available in sweet berry vanilla and rich chocolatey brownie sundae flavors, Special K Protein Snack Bars are now available at grocery retailers nationwide for the suggested retail price of $4.29 for a five-count package.

Violife is expanding beyond its well-known line of vegan cheese with the introduction of three new plant-based dips.

Free of dairy, nuts, soy, gluten and preservatives, the three new dips include:

• French Onion: Made with such simple ingredients as coconut oil and real onions;
• Spinach and Artichoke: Made with vegan and simple plant-based ingredients that include coconut oil, real spinach and artichokes; and
• Ranch: Made with plant-based ingredients that include coconut oil and herbs.

“Consumers love the taste and convenience of dips, and we are excited to bring Violife’s delicious plant-based take on these classic flavors to life!” said Debra Yoo, senior brand manager at Violife. “We know that these new dips will appeal to consumers across the country, whether they are vegan, dairy-free or curious about plant-based foods.”

Violife’s three new dips are available at Whole Foods Market.  

Pixi is releasing a brand-new product designed to deliver a glow to any user while on the go.

The On-the-Glow Bronze sticks offer consumers a hint of tint in an easy use to use format that is suitable for use on the cheeks and lips.

Formulated with fruit extracts for antioxidant protection, the solid tint is designed to blend effortlessly into the skin for a natural and bronze glow, the company said.

Other key ingredients include ginseng to revitalize and balance and aloe vera to soothe and calm.

Retailing for $18, Pixi’s On-the-Glow Bronze is available online at pixibeauty.com/products/on-the-glow-bronze.