AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT FRESHREALM

Lancaster, Texas-based FreshRealm, a provider of prepared fresh meal solutions, is in the midst of a major collapse, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2026, and is currently undergoing restructuring.

As a consequence of its precarious financial situation, the company will lay off 1,000+ employees, including 637 at its Linden, New Jersey, facility and 228 at its Tracy, California, facility. Layoffs will take effect between June 2026 and July 2026, subject to Court orders.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Michael Lippold noted, “We have built a business that serves an important need in the fresh food and meal space, and we remain focused on continuing to serve our customers while supporting our employees, suppliers, and partners through this transition. Our agreement with Blue Apron, and the actions we are taking, create a clearer path forward for the business. We continue to believe in the long-term potential of the platform following the Blue Apron transition. We are proud of the platform we have built and the role we play in helping our partners bring fresh meals to more people in more places. I want to thank our employees, customers, suppliers, and partners for their continued support as we move through this process and work toward the next phase for FreshRealm.”

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT FORTREX

Dunwoody, Georgia-based Fortrex, a major food safety solutions provider, has announced the cessation of operations at Tyson Foods in Lexington, Nebraska, due to an unexpected plant closure.

The closure of the Tyson plant will impact 139 Fortrex employees, with separations scheduled on January 20, 2026.

According to a company statement, "By way of background, Fortrex is a privately held sanitation contractor that has sanitized Tyson Foods, Inc. – Lexington since March 15, 2013. Recently, we received unforeseen notice from Tyson Foods, Inc. – Lexington that it has decided to end the contract at the Lexington, NE location, meaning that Fortrex will cease services at this plant effective January 20, 2026. This will result

in the layoff or relocation of all eligible Fortrex team members at this plant.

Change is constant, and it's coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?

AM I NEXT? NO LOVE AT ELIOR GROUP

Charlotte, North Carolina-based Elior Group, a French multinational company that specializes in catering and food service, has announced a reduction in force due to losing its service contract with the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. The company has chosen not to participate in the ongoing vendor selection process.

The reduction will impact 155 employees, beginning on May 17, 2026.

According to a statement, “Elior has chosen not to take part in the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s current, ongoing food services vendor selection process. The company’s contract was already set to conclude next spring. Elior’s decision will not affect UWO students, faculty or staff. UW-Oshkosh will have a new dining services provider in place next spring to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted service for our campus community and guests.”

Change is coming. There will always be a tomorrow, no matter how much you may try to ignore it. There are no guarantees in life, nor promises of a bright future. We see good people being laid off through no fault of their own. Just because something terrible hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it won't. It can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. No one is guaranteed to wake up tomorrow and still have a job by evening. While many employees can read the writing on the wall, why do most assume it’s targeted at someone else? Are you now wondering, Am I Next?