Written By: Ellie Wilson, MS, RD  Senior Nutritionist, Price Chopper Supermarkets

STORY FARMS – Catskill, NY

 The day was warming up as dietetic intern Kelly Smith and I pulled into Story Farms. Our first impression was that it was beautiful – fields ready to plant, high top green houses on one side, big old classic red barn on the right.

We met with James Story, part of the family team that includes his father Jim, brother Mark, and his uncle Matt and cousin Matthew. The farm is over 100 years old, and they farm over 700 acres. One brother and a cousin handle the dairy side of the farm, with about 40 cows. Like most of our farmers, his family started working with Price Chopper by delivering to local stores. They have worked with Price Chopper for over 10 years. This is a very diverse farm -potatoes are one of their main crops, as well as sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, winter squash, and pumpkins. They also grow timothy, alfalfa, hay and field corn. The high top greenhouses in their fields are a little unique – these are a somewhat portable design, and they are built every year in a new place on the farm, to protect the health of the soil and plants. They were just planting the tomatoes that day, a little behind their schedule because the windy weather over the course of the previous week had prevented them from putting the plastic over the ribs of the building. James shared that this is the first of three plantings for tomatoes – one high top greenhouse planting, and two in the fields later in spring and summer. They also plant sweet corn, which is his favorite vegetable, eaten raw, right from the field.  When asked how we can help people eat more of our great produce, James offered he thought the best way would be to show them how easy it is to enjoy it, and that the prep really only takes a minute or two. Story Farms is always checking out new varieties of crops, and they embrace their tried and true varieties as well. James shared that he loves farming – there is something different to do every day. They all looked pretty busy, so we kept our visit short and sweet, but we will be back to see how pretty this farm will be when the fields are green with plants.

Happy American Craft Beer Week!  We are celebrating with 2 new craft varieties and in-store tastings!  Our local partner, Davidson Brewery has just released their latest and greatest…I-87 IPA! It’s an American-styled IPA brewed with 5 distinct varieties of hops added throughout the boil dry hopped in the fermenter.  The potent and complex hop profile is balanced by a rich, malt sweetness, making the I-87 crisp, refreshing, and drinkable.

We’ll be sampling Davidson I-87 IPA at our growler stations below! Rick Davidson, Brewer and Owner, will be on hand at the select times below if you would like to talk ‘hops” with him!

• Thursday 5/14, 3:30-6:30 Wilton, NY

(With Rick Davidson 5-6pm)

• Thursday 5/14, 3:30-6:30 @ Saratoga, NY (Rt 50 Store)

(With Rick Davidson 4-4:45pm)

• Friday 5/15, 12-2:30pm @ Slingerlands, NY

(With Rick Davidson 1:30-2:30pm)

• Friday 5/15, 3-6pm @ Malta, NY

(With Rick Davidson 3-4pm)

• Saturday 5/16, 12-2:30pm @ Market Bistro Latham, NY

(With Rick Davidson 1:30-2:30pm)

We’re also sampling 2 great spring varieties from Otter Creek Brewery in Vermont, Backseat Berner and Over Easy.  The Backseat Berner is the first year-round IPA in Otter Creek history, loaded with juicy hops!  The Over Easy variety is true to its name, sure to please any palate!

We’ll be sampling Otter Creek Backseat Berner and Over Easy at our growler stations below:

• Saturday 5/16, 1-3pm @ Wilton, NY
• Saturday 5/16, 1-3pm @ Saratoga, NY (Rt. 50 Store)
•  Saturday 5/16, 4-6pm @ Malta, NY

Stop in and be one of the first to try these new varieties fresh on tap!  You can also fill up a You Pick 6 pack with the ones you love the most J

Written By: Ellie Wilson, MS, RD  Senior Nutritionist, Price Chopper Supermarkets

Springboard – planting in full swing at Black Horse Farms Greene County is home to Black Horse Farms, and with leaves and buds popping out on trees and bushes, it was starting to live up to its name when dietetic intern Kelly Smith and I visited at the end of April. One of the largest vegetable growers in New York State, Lloyd Zimmerman and his family has made farming a family business. Lloyd moved into farming on his own, with a little help from his parents, in the early 1960’s, and his business now employs both of his daughters, a son-in-law, and three grandsons. A true diplomat, Lloyd was careful to tell us that his wife, Mary Lou, is the real boss.

We toured multiple green houses on a clear, warm morning – they have about 40 all together. We saw the planting g room, where a machine helps workers push dirt into seedling planters, and greenhouses full of pumpkin and pepper plants, tomatoes, rosemary, and flowers. The Zimmerman’s grow all of their own plants, which has been the practice of most of the farmers I have seen so far, though some items may come from different farms that just supply growing plants to farmers. Cabbage is being planted in the field today, and tomatoes will go into fields in May.

Price Chopper has been working with Lloyd for most of his farming career – a great long term partnership that brings delicious, local New York State produce to many of our stores. I am looking forward to seeing how everything is growing throughout the season. Spoiler alert – I am also going to working with Lloyd’s daughters, the next generation of Zimmerman farmers – check back on the blog for stories about women in farming! Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

CREST SENSI-STOP STRIPS

Introducing Crest Sensi-Stop Strips – a new product technology that allows you to get tooth sensitivity relief like never before.

Crest Sensi-Stop Strips provide immediate relief and up to one month of protection – allowing you to enjoy things in life without tooth sensitivity pain!  Crest Sensi-Stop Strips are thin flexible strips that contain a professional-level desensitizing gel on one side.  The unique strip is designed to cover the outer gum line of your sensitive teeth for just ten minutes, giving the special ingredient time to build a tasting barrier that helps stop sensitivity pain.  The strips target a specific area of your mouth that’s suffering from tooth sensitivity.  If you have more than one sensitive area, apply a strip to each area.

Look for Crest Sensi-Stop Strips in the Oral Care aisle.

MRS. DASH TABLE BLENDS

 Challenged by chicken?  Baffled by beef?  Exhausted with eggs?  Add a bold seasoning statement with all-natural Mrs. Dash. Mrs. Dash Table Blends is available in four new varieties: Mrs. Dash Sweet Southern BBQ Table Blend Mrs. Dash Spicy Pepper with Garlic Mrs. Dash Savory Lemon with Herbs Table Blend Mrs. Dash Roasted Garlic with Herbs Table Blend Visit MrsDash.com for quick and easy recipes and delicious ways to spice up your meals. Look for Mrs. Dash Table Blends on the Spice Aisle. Written By: Ellie Wilson, MS, RD  Senior Nutritionist, Price Chopper Supermarkets

Spring in the Berkshires – Kinderhook Creek Farm

April 2015

The cold weather was leaving Kinderhook Creek farm more slowly than the other farms I have visited so far this spring – but there was still plenty of action to be found there. The combination of a deeply cold winter, a slow spring thaw, and elevation (875 feet above sea level) put Kinderhook Creek Farm on a slightly different timeline compared to farms in valleys and flats. Warm weather usually catches up across the growing season, so rarely is there any change in harvest time that can be felt by those of us waiting eagerly for their crops. Corn varieties were chosen some time ago, and the seed is in farm storage waiting for the earth to warm up just a little more. The cold weather actually has some soil benefits – it helps to keep some pests controlled.

 Sweet, delicious and popular bicolor corn is the primary crop of this farm, though they also plant field corn, hay, and a market garden, raise Angus cattle, and grow yellow corn for specific markets.  As they wait for the ground to warm, equipment is being readied after being maintained, repaired or updated this past winter. The corn planter was out in the yard – farmer Larry Eckhardt was showing me the seed closer in the picture I have here – the wheel pushes dirt onto the seed after the machine plants it, the equivalent of tapping it with a hoe.

The big green tractor got “new sneakers” this winter – $4500 worth of tires, which includes the special service for installation – Larry and his families do not have the special tools for big tractor tires in their farm shop. Farmers have some unique costs – that tire bill made me feel a little better about the new tires I need for my car this spring! I wished Larry and Heather and their two sons warm, sunny weather for planting, and we will check in on them in a few weeks to see what is “growing on”! Written By: Ellie Wilson, MS, RD  Senior Nutritionist, Price Chopper Supermarkets

Fresh Farm Stories – Shaul’s Farm, Middleburgh, NY

 It was pouring rain when I got to Shaul’s farm on April 22^nd, to meet with farmer Dave and learn about what is happening on their farm. It was very chilly, but Dave was in his usual uniform of sweatshirt and shorts – he is moving constantly, and his hands are rarely still – he didn’t seem to feel the cold or rain, which is a good thing for a farmer. (I was dressed for the weather, except I needed a hood – so, note to self for my future farm visits.) Shaul’s is a large family farm, one of the largest in the region, though most of Dave’s siblings have moved away from the business.

We visited the first crop of the season, which was sown by hand last October – 3 acres of garlic. The rows stretch out uniformly on the flat valley floor, seeded through the plastic that acts as a mini-greenhouse and along with straw, protects the seed garlic over the winter and then captures warmth as the days lengthen and winter starts to (oh, so slowly this year) move out. Garlic is universally loved by anyone who cooks and most people who eat, so it is fun to see this huge planting right out of the gate. We also visited the first corn planted – also planted under plastic, 2 rows  across, down each row. Dave pulled out his “computer” – a binder with multiple years of notes about  what crops were planted where, notes about different varieties, experiments, results and ideas about  what could be done to improve the following year all neatly laid out. He had planting dates recorded  – interesting to note, this is not the latest year – in 2011, some things weren’t planted until May 7^th     and 8^th! Farmers also have to have a sense of expected yield – the single corn row in my picture here  he estimates will produce 75 bushels of corn!

In the green houses, peppers, flowers for the farm stand, tomatoes, melons, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce are all happily sprouting. The green houses are heated on the farms I have visited so far – fans and large windows help the farm team manage the temperatures when days range from 32 degrees in the morning, to 70 degrees at 4 PM the same day. One of the most interesting things I learned – watermelons are germinated on a heating pad – they are finicky and fussy to start, so need special attention. We will keep an eye on these – they will be delicious Buttercup yellow watermelon when we see them in the store. Keep visiting the blog for more farm fresh stories – we have a lot of farmers to visit still!

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs

CAMPBELL’S CHUNKY BAKED BEANS

Introducing new Campbell’s Chunky Baked Beans! Slow cooked with a balance of sweet and savory flavors that fill you up!  Campbell’s Chunky Baked Beans are an excellent source of fiber, good source of protein, low in cholesterol and are low in fat. They are hearty mouth-watering side dishes that go with almost any dish.  Be sure to add them to your next family meal. A definite crowd pleaser with three delicious flavors, something for everyone – Original, Bourbon & Brown Sugar and Maple Bacon & Beer. Look for these brand new Chunky Baked Beans from Campbell’s in the Soup aisle.

OLD EL PASO REFRIGERATED SALSAS & DIPS

Start Somewhere Fresh!  Old El Paso continues its tradition of delivering great tasting products as the #1 brand in the Mexican Food category.  That tradition has now expanded into the refrigeration section. Old El Paso Refrigerated Salsas & Dips are “Truly Fresh” – made from farm fresh (never drummed or canned) tomatoes, onions and cilantro.  Chopped at the height of their freshness and immediately packaged and sealed fresh – never cooked, retaining all of their natural farm fresh flavor for a superior Old El Paso experience. Available in five varieties: Medium – a great tasting traditional salsa Cilantro – for those who prefer that extra flavor that only cilantro can bring Chipotle – a little extra heat and the smoky chipotle flavor Black Bean & Corn – a perfect blend of this traditional offering Creamy Tomato Cilantro Dip – a specialty sour cream based dip that is to die for! Treat yourself to these exceptional new products.  You’ll find Old El Paso Refrigerated Salsas & Dips in the Dairy aisle. Written By: Ellie Wilson, MS, RD  Senior Nutritionist, Price Chopper Supermarkets

  Fresh Farm Stories – Reeves Farm, Springing to Life!

 Though our spring has “taken the long way ‘round” to get here, every nuance of change in the weather is a signal to our farming community that there is work to be done. On April 22nd, I went out to visit two of the family farms we work with – Reeves Farm in Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Shaul’s Farm in Middleburgh, N.Y. At Reeves farm, I spent the morning with fifth generation farmer Karin Reeves. Karin returned to the family farm after a successful career in human resources in Washington, D.C., bringing her National Guard husband with her. She earned an MBA while in Washington, which is serving the farm well – farms have a lot of regulations to navigate, and they must also manage expenses and sales, forecast business needs and challenges, and create business linkages like any other business. The weather runs the show now – the field where I walked through rows and rows of tomatoes last summer was tilled for corn the previous Sunday. The season doesn’t know week days from weekends, and with the rain that was forecast for the entire coming week, they tilled on Sunday so they could plant. If they had waited until after the rain began, they might have been held up the whole week because it would have been too wet to till. The real action right now is in the greenhouses. They have peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and cabbage all seeded and growing. They have separate greenhouses and fields for organic tomatoes – there are strict rules around organic planting and field management. The corn is planted in the fields, under plastic in rows and rows in the fields around the farm. They rotate the fields each year, and they will have more than one planting of different crops – peppers will be planted three or four times!

Check out all the plant babies – it will be fun to see them grow and change through the spring and summer, check the blog regularly for updates!

Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs  

                       EGGO GLUTEN FREE WAFFLES

The great taste of Eggo is now gluten-free!  Eggo has been a family breakfast favorite for more than 75 years and now, even those who avoid gluten can enjoy the taste of warm, comforting waffles – without sacrificing flavor.  No longer will taste be sacrificed in the search for gluten-free options in the grocery aisles. Available in two delightful flavors – Original and Cinnamon – the new Eggo Gluten Free Waffles contain eight vitamins and minerals and are an excellent source of calcium and iron, with 25 percent daily value of each.  Eggo Gluten Free Waffles are also made with whole grains with 15g per 70g serving. Eggo is excited to offer new Gluten Free Waffles so everyone in the family, including those who avoid gluten, can enjoy a delicious and wholesome Eggo breakfast. Find delicious Eggo Gluten Free Waffles in the Frozen Food aisle alongside your favorite Eggo flavors.    

PALM BREEZE SPARKLING ALCOHOL SPRITZ 

  If sunny is just a state of mind, it’s one best shared with your girlfriends. When your girls share that state of mind, you can make any day a getaway.  But no getaway is    complete without a taste of the tropics.  Introducing new Palm Breeze Tropical Alcohol Spritz – a      new sparkling, refreshing and unexpected way to go from every day to vacay. Available in two crisp refreshingly light flavors – Ruby Red Citrus and Pineapple Mandarin    Orange – Palm Breeze Tropical Alcohol Spritz is perfect for good times anywhere – no matter if you’re poolside catching some sun, in the backyard or sharing movie night with your girls on the couch. AVB:      4.5%   Available year-round in 6-pack 12 oz. cans.  Look for Palm Breeze Sparkling Alcohol Spritz on the Beer aisle and Vacay Every Day. Good things come to those who wait…don’t drink until you’re 21.  Palm Breeze Sparkling Alcohol Spritz is a premium malt beverage with natural flavors and certified colors.       Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs    

PALM BREEZE SPARKLING ALCOHOL SPRITZ 

  If sunny is just a state of mind, it’s one best shared with your girlfriends. When your girls share that state of mind, you can make any day a getaway.  But no getaway is    complete without a taste of the tropics.  Introducing new Palm Breeze Tropical Alcohol Spritz – a      new sparkling, refreshing and unexpected way to go from every day to vacay. Available in two crisp refreshingly light flavors – Ruby Red Citrus and Pineapple Mandarin    Orange – Palm Breeze Tropical Alcohol Spritz is perfect for good times anywhere – no matter if you’re poolside catching some sun, in the backyard or sharing movie night with your girls on the couch. AVB:      4.5%   Available year-round in 6-pack 12 oz. cans.  Look for Palm Breeze Sparkling Alcohol Spritz on the Beer aisle and Vacay Every Day. Good things come to those who wait…don’t drink until you’re 21.  Palm Breeze Sparkling Alcohol Spritz is a premium malt beverage with natural flavors and certified colors.

SENSODYNE REPAIR and PROTECT WHITENING  

A Sensodyne toothpaste that can actually repair sensitive teeth* – now with whitening! In addition to offering everyday cavity protection, Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste can actually repair sensitive teeth*.  The active ingredient, stannous fluoride, builds a repairing layer over the vulnerable areas of your teeth to help protect them from pain.  And now, Sensodyne Repair & Protect plus Whitening gently removes surface stains to help give you a whiter brighter smile. Find NEW Sensodyne Repair & Protect toothpaste in the Oral Care aisle today. *With twice daily brushing