Access to food is about more than supply. It is about logistics, reliability, and meeting people where they are.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Daniel Riff, Head of Government and Nonprofit Operations at PFMA member DoorDash, and Stuart I.R. Haniff, Executive Director of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, to discuss Project DASH and the expansion of home-delivered food access across the Commonwealth.

The conversation explores how DoorDash’s logistics platform works alongside food banks and nonprofit partners to support seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and households facing transportation barriers. It also examines how Project DASH complements programs such as TEFAP and the State Food Purchase Program, and how retailers, wholesalers, and service providers can support Food as Medicine and hunger-relief delivery initiatives.

For operators, this episode provides a practical look at how technology, partnerships, and coordination across the food system are helping strengthen access while reinforcing dignity and reliability for families statewide.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Agentic AI is moving from concept to real-world operations in retail.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Mike Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of PFMA member Upshop, to break down what agentic AI actually means for day-to-day operations in the Food and Beverage Industry.

The conversation explores how autonomous and semi-autonomous AI tools are being used to reduce friction, improve decision-making, and help store teams operate faster and more accurately. From inventory and shrink to execution and checkout flow, Mike shares where AI is delivering measurable value today, where it still requires guardrails, and what operators should realistically be thinking about as these tools become more common.

For retailers navigating labor pressure, cost management, and operational complexity, this episode offers a practical look at how technology can support teams without replacing the people who make the business run.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Energy is one of the most critical inputs in the Food and Beverage Industry, yet it is often one of the least understood.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Cheryl Hefft, Senior Manager at PFMA member World Kinect, and Jude Clemente, Energy Price Risk Manager, to discuss how operators can approach energy and fuel decisions more strategically.

The conversation explores how price volatility affects grocery stores, distributors, wholesalers, and convenience retailers, and what advantages a consultant can bring compared to managing energy procurement alone. From bill audits and contract language to market monitoring and long-term planning, this episode breaks down practical steps businesses can take to better manage cost and risk.

For operators looking to protect margins and build more resilient operations, this discussion offers a clearer view of how energy strategy fits into overall business planning.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Employee benefits and insurance decisions can feel complex, especially in the Food and Beverage Industry where margins are tight and workforces are diverse.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Robert Stoudt, Employee Benefits Consultant at PFMA member Assured Partners, to break down how food and beverage employers can approach benefits strategy with more clarity and confidence.

The conversation explores what makes this workforce unique, common misconceptions about benefits planning, and practical steps operators of all sizes can take to manage costs, reduce risk, and better support their teams. From understanding plan structures to identifying overlooked coverage gaps, this episode offers a straightforward look at making smarter decisions without getting lost in technical language.

For operators focused on workforce stability and long-term planning, this discussion provides practical insight into one of the most important — and often most confusing — areas of business operations.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Food insecurity and food waste often exist side by side — and the Food and Beverage Industry sits at the center of both challenges.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Evan Ehlers, Founder and Executive Director of PFMA member Sharing Excess, to explore how surplus food can move quickly and efficiently to communities that need it most.

Evan shares how Sharing Excess grew from a small idea into a statewide food recovery operation working directly with retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. The conversation covers logistical barriers to donation, how recovery partnerships can scale without adding operational burden, and where SNAP households fit into the larger food access conversation.

For operators, this episode offers a practical look at how reducing waste can also strengthen communities — and how collaboration across the supply chain can create measurable impact statewide.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Sustainability and energy innovation are becoming increasingly important for food and beverage businesses across Pennsylvania.

In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Luca Pandolfi, Founder of PFMA member Woodland Biomass Innovations, to explore how renewable fuels and forest-based solutions could intersect with the Food and Beverage Industry.

Luca explains how Woodland Biomass Innovations converts low-grade woody biomass into drop-in renewable fuels and biochar, while supporting forest health and local economic development. The conversation examines how emerging energy solutions may affect transportation and logistics, how retailers can think about long-term sustainability strategy, and what realistic energy innovation looks like for operators today.

For retailers and suppliers looking to better understand the future of renewable energy in Pennsylvania, this episode offers a practical look at where sustainability, infrastructure, and business strategy meet.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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In this episode of Shelf Confidence, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association sits down with Ray Sheehan, Founder of PFMA member Old City Media, to explore how experiential marketing helps brands connect directly with consumers in meaningful, measurable ways.

Ray shares how Old City Media grew into a national experiential marketing partner, working with retailers and brands to create in-store activations, community engagement programs, and live events that drive real results. The conversation covers shopper engagement in crowded retail environments, common visibility challenges brands face, and how human-centered marketing strategies can build stronger connections and long-term loyalty.

For retailers and industry partners, this episode offers practical insight into how experiential marketing can complement traditional strategies and create memorable customer experiences where it matters most.

Presented by the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association.

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Food insecurity touches every corner of Pennsylvania, and addressing it requires strong coordination across the entire food system.

In the Season 9 premiere of Shelf Confidence, we’re joined by Feeding Pennsylvania, the statewide network of food banks serving all 67 counties across the Commonwealth. Julie Bancroft, Chief Executive Officer, and Ryan Prater, Director of Public Policy, join the conversation to discuss how Feeding PA supports families, partners with retailers and suppliers, and advocates for effective hunger relief policy.

This episode explores the critical role of SNAP, common misconceptions about food access, the growing importance of food rescue and recovery, and how collaboration between food banks and the Food and Beverage Industry strengthens communities statewide.

For operators, this is a practical look at how partnership across the supply chain can make a measurable difference for families while supporting a stronger, more resilient food system.

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In this episode of Shelf Confidence, we dive into the evolving world of workforce development in the convenience store industry. Join Jeff Kahler, CEO & President of Ready Training Online (RTO), Paul Rankin, Vice President of Retail Marketing at Country Fair, and Steve Seymor, Director of Personal, at Country Fair.  As they share how their organizations teamed up to elevate training for frontline staff. From launching custom e-learning platforms to building a culture of development, this episode is packed with real stories, smart strategies, and a few laughs from the field. Whether you're in retail, HR, or just love hearing about creative business solutions, this conversation will leave you with insights and inspiration you can use.

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In this special episode of Shelf Confidence, we're joined by William Brock, President and CEO of Straub Brewery, one of the oldest and most iconic breweries in the country. With over 150 years of brewing history in the heart of Pennsylvania, Straub has remained proudly independent, family-owned, and deeply connected to its community. 

We’ll dive into the legacy of the brewery, the unique challenges and opportunities facing brewers in Pennsylvania, and what makes Straub’s approach to beer so enduring. From the story behind the famous Eternal Tap to insights on innovation, sustainability, and the future of brewing in the state, this episode is a deep pour into both tradition and what's ahead. 

Crack open a cold one and join us for a conversation that blends history, heart, and hops.

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