PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.475 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on October 30, 2020 to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2020.
At the closing market price of the common stock on July 28, 2020, the current dividend rate represents an annualized yield of 7.0%. This is the 64th consecutive quarterly dividend declared by the Board of Directors since B&G Foods’ initial public offering in October 2004.
About B&G Foods, Inc.
Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods and its subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute high-quality, branded shelf-stable and frozen foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. With B&G Foods’ diverse portfolio of more than 50 brands you know and love, including Back to Nature, B&G, B&M, Cream of Wheat, Dash, Green Giant, Las Palmas, Le Sueur, Mama Mary’s, Maple Grove Farms, New York Style, Ortega, Polaner, Spice Islands and Victoria, there’s a little something for everyone. For more information about B&G Foods and its brands, please visit www.bgfoods.com.
HAMILTON, N.J. — Physicians and staff at Robert Wood-Johnson University Hospital Barnabas Health (RWJBH) in Hamilton hosted their annual Bariatric Fashion Show last week at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, to showcase their patients’ weight loss success stories. A bariatric surgery patient models her before and after looks following her surgery at RWJBH. -Provided photo
There were about 20 patients who have undergone bariatric surgery as their ultimate weight loss resort, and now they have life-transforming results that are inspirational to anyone who has struggled with weight and health issues.
“I was completely paralyzed. I was in a wheelchair, and I am a previous stroke victim,” said Tanza Baker, one of the surgery-patients-turned-model.
Baker who was a size 34 has lost 195 pounds. Two other patients have lost 140 and 197 pounds each. In total, the fashion show participants have lost more than 2,000 pounds, said Joe Hannan, communication specialist at RWJBH.
“Bariatric surgery is a weight loss option for people who have tried more traditional methods of losing weight and haven’t had success,” says Hannan.
There are several common types of bariatric surgeries that change the anatomy of the stomach and/or intestine. The effects of this include curbing the appetite and sometimes altering the metabolic processes. This results in gradual weight loss.
“It took about a year and a half for me to lose 195 pounds,” said Baker. “Now that I have lost the weight my medical issues have improved 1000 times.”
She said among her weight-related health issues, her cholesterol levels, her asthma, and the cortisone shots in her knees have all gotten better now.
Baker’s life has changed dramatically.
She said she that for about a year now she has been an Ashley Stewart plus-size model at a size 14. She is also a gospel radio show host on WBJL 103.9 FM for about seven months now. And, she is looking forward to having her story published by Bloomberg Business Week. She now also has a better relationship with food, eating healthier by including more vegetables in her diet and drinking more water. She plans on doing more activities and also on maintaining her new weight.
Previously, she suffered from depression. She said her weight was dragging her down. Even though she still struggles with balance and partial paralysis of the face, she said she is much happier and wants to be an encouragement to others with similar issues.
So she tell others to, “realize your situation if you’re struggling with your weight. Go for the surgery. Don’t be afraid. Go for being healthier. Without your health you don’t have anything at all,” she said.
Baker said she wants to see people happy, and has already encouraged five persons to have the surgery.
Hannan said there are risks associated with surgeries in general and also with this one, but by electing to undergo bariatric surgery, physicians and patients determine that the greater risk is to allow obesity to continue unchecked.
To maintain their weight losses, physicians and dieticians prescribe each patient a unique diet that they have created. The most critical part of the nutrition plan is portion control and staying well hydrated, said Hannan.
For those considering bariatric surgery, it is covered by many health insurance plans, and the out-of-pocket cost varies by insurance company.
Michelle Dryden is an experienced newspaper journalist with a master’s degree in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University, and a bachelor’s degree in traditional journalism from Rider University.
It was several years since I last visited paradise–my native country–Jamaica, where I spent a milestone birthday in July.
Going back after so many years away was a real treat that really allowed me to relax, instead of thinking much about the fact that I am now a middle-aged lady who has more to accomplish in her life.
However, living in the United States for more than 23 years, has taught me that the diversity here makes this country strong and interesting, attracting millions of immigrants each decade.
I enjoy living in New Jersey and dressing for the drastic changes in temperatures each season, but I prefer summer months. For that reason, I try to have a taste of the tropics all year.
Whenever possible, I also like to introduce others to my native culture. Thanksgiving Day is an opportune time to do this.
I usually spend the day with my family and we usually have guests who are sometimes not Jamaicans. I usually invite our guests to sample some of our native foods. Last year, we watched original Jamaican movies with our Haitian guest. In the past, we have also listened to Jamaican Christmas music or reggae music at Thanksgiving.
While I embrace being an American citizen, I am always celebrating my heritage. Throughout the year, I cook with Jamaican curry powder and eat other Jamaican foods. In the summer months, I like to go out to listen to live reggae bands.
The U.S. is considered a melting pot that welcomes immigrants from all over the world. The different ethnicities usually start businesses, such as restaurants that feature their native dishes. Some immigrants, like the Chinese in Chinatown, New York City and Philadelphia, build communities here in the U.S., which resemble their native homelands.
Some Jamaicans have done the same, in Miami, for example. We have a vibrant heritage that we like to share. Jamaicans have roots from all over the world. The country’s motto states: “Out of many, one people.” The majority of the population is of African descent. “Indians, Chinese, Irish, and many more have left their imprint on Jamaican culture,” states a Jamaican travel website.
I was very excited to experience a piece of paradise earlier this year. Although Jamaica has changed a lot over the years, still a lot remain the same. The tropical plants are still beautiful. The sea still looks clear and blue. The beaches are still breathtaking. The landscape is truly amazing.
According to an article on Jamaica-gleaner.com, “Over the years, Jamaica’s compelling natural beauty has attracted more than a few individuals of worldwide acclaim.”
The article mentions the “swashbuckler movie hero, Errol Flynn, who had an abiding love affair with Port Antonio,” the capital city of the parish of Portland. This parish is located just north of the popular Blue Mountains.
British writer, Ian Fleming, was also attracted to Jamaica, land of beauty. Fleming created British spy, James Bond.
There was also Noel Coward, who along with Fleming, were both “pulled” to Jamaica’s north coast.
Jamaica’s natural beauty is just the beginning of the attraction. But it gets more exciting when one begins interacting the with locals, starts partying, and eating the food. The experience makes you want to visit again.
On Thanksgiving Day, tomorrow, I look forward to having tasty Jamaican dishes. I like to experience other cultures as well. So, I try other foods too.
Jamaicans embrace diversity just like the United States does. The island’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,” is basically saying we are one. There are many faces, many races, but we are one spirit and one heart.
Bob Marley’s reggae music encourages us to unite.
At Thanksgiving we can extend our experience of the “melting pot” here in the United States. Many will celebrate by tasting different dishes. We can all celebrate our cultures and our foods with each other.
As we remember to give thanks at Thanksgiving, we should also remember where we are from and why we are living in the United States. Many of us left loved ones in our native countries to be here. Some of us are here because of political oppression, job opportunities, university scholarships and many other reasons.
The United States is a haven to many and we might have ties to other countries but we have to give thanks to be here for many reasons.
It is wonderful that we can express our diversity. It is great that I can visit my native country and share my experiences here. The island of Jamaica is truly a beautiful experience and I look forward to having a piece of paradise at Thanksgiving.
