Lloyd Zimmerman did not grow up farming – he was a NYC kid, child of two college professors, but he became interested in agriculture because his family had a summer home in the country. At 21, he graduated with a degree in agricultural economics, and purchased an old farm in Coeyman’s Hollow with the help of his parents. He farmed part-time, while working for New York State, eventually working in the Governor’s office on agriculture and civil defense. In 1964, the farm started making money and he “retired” from state service. He and his wife raised lamb, initially, and one of his first customers was Central Markets. After Vietnam, market pressures moved him into vegetables, and he hasn’t looked back.
His favorite part of farming is watching crops grow, and working with the broad group of people in the produce business. While he did not grow up farming, his children did, and two daughters, Chellie Apa and Lisa Buhrmaster, now run major aspects of the operation. They employ on average about 55 people – this is a diverse and dynamic business. At this time of year, his day starts at 4:30 AM, but has started as early as 2:30, which some of their team starts still because they are packing trucks. That work is essential to bringing in those fresh items – time between field and fork is important.
Lloyd chooses his seeds based on science and savvy – sweet corn and tomatoes should have a good, sweet taste, so they start there, and then look at some of the scientific specifications of a product, like the measurement of sweetness, called degrees Brix. They work with the seed salesman to locate varieties of new items that have a good reputation and production.
There are very strict standards and procedures in place around harvest and packing – cleanliness is king, and Black Horse Farm is GAP certified. GAP stands for Good
Agricultural Practices, and it is a system of practices and record keeping that helps farmers ensure food safety is being managed. Price Chopper only works with farms that are GAP certified, as part of our commitment to ensuring our customers can be confident that they really are getting the best quality fruits and vegetables from us. Attention to refrigeration, hand washing and other aspects of safe food production are part and parcel of their work. They also sort their produce with those less fortunate in mind, and work with local food pantries to supply good food that is not premium grade.
There are some game changers on the horizon – Lloyd sees two that he thinks will impact farming in enormous ways. The first is the use of drones – he has been wishing for these for over 20 years, and is excited that they are coming to farming. The other is the advanced education farmers are starting to benefit from, as children return to their family farms with degrees in agronomy, veterinary science and business.
I really enjoyed speaking with Lloyd – his gravelly voice ebbed and flowed as we spoke, full of passion and humor and knowledge. With helping people eat more fruits and vegetables so central to my role, I asked what he thought would help people do a better job, and he thought helping people understand what local produce is and who the farmers are is a great start. We completely bonded over favorites – tomatoes, on a delicious BLT sandwich with a malted milk (I make mine with the Price Chopper pre-cooked bacon – slices are nice and thin, great for sandwiches). So, please take my advice – take advantage of the season and enjoy the bounty Price Chopper brings you from farmers like Lloyd Zimmerman – sweet summer!
Check out this recipe for Lemon & Garlic Glazed Corn on the Cob! Written by: Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN
In my work as Senior Nutritionist for Price Chopper, I have been part of the team that helps our customers understand our commitment to quality, of being the best in fresh, and how that heritage has driven what we do. We embody what people are seeking so much these days – a company that is, itself, homegrown, conceived here in upstate New York, with one family shepherding it forward throughout the Northeast, always seeking to innovate for our customers and deepen its roots in each community we serve.
Of course, one of the things I focus on is our produce department. Produce is central to a healthy diet, and helping customers purchase, prepare and best of all, enjoy the great variety of produce items we work so hard to responsibly source and present to our customers is one of best parts of my job.
There is a unique history to how we work with our farmers. The supermarket industry is relatively young, and no business has been more involved in the farm to fork movement than this one. Creating that channel has taken a lot of collaboration and investment, and started here with some very thoughtful efforts by Bill Golub, beginning around 1943. As Central Market (Price Chopper’s original name) started to grow, it needed a larger volume of produce and fresh products for customers. When Bill Golub realized they were having to source fresh items from different areas each year, he started working with egg producers to create an organized industry, so Central Markets would have a reliable supply of the highest quality eggs available. Cornell University and several producers all partnered to discover and develop best practices, and they were very successful. That recipe has served our shoppers well, and we have grown deep connections to some generations of farmers and producers in our communities, to ensure the highest quality, freshest local foods are on your table.
Flash forward to 2014, and you will find a constantly renewed passion to continue this legacy. Price Chopper has developed
a food hub, designed to answer the needs of today’s farmers and the demands of our discerning customers for the best local, high quality, safe and delicious apples, squash, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkins, corn, onions, peaches, tomatoes and more. We work with big and small farmers throughout the Northeast, and help them access the food safety training and other resources they need to be successful. We haul product and produce two ways, so the trucks are always full, protecting the environment while providing the highest quality in service.
When it’s grown here, we get it here. I consider myself the chief promoter of produce, so you know how important ensuring we have the best of the best, and how we partner with the farming community to bring it to you, to be one of the most important things I think we do. I am going to be getting to know our farmers, and bringing their commitment to you here, through our blog. I hope you will join me for some delicious, nutritious, colorful connections that will give us all the insights we are craving lately – where our food is coming from, and who has grown it for us.
Written by Jane N. Golub
Director In-Store Marketing Programs
Fresh Guard by Efferdent is available in a 20 Wipes package especially designed for:
Daytime wearers, who are looking for a quick clean for their retainer, mouthguard or removable braces.
Fresh Guard Wipes can be used anywhere. Simply wipe the device – no water needed.
This is ideal for after meals and Wipes can be used anytime.
Fresh Guard by Efferdent Soak is for all wearers who are looking for a deep clean at home.
Simply soak the retainer, mouthguard or removable braces for five minutes with warm water, then rinse. This should be done daily and you can soak with Fresh Guard by Efferent while you are taking your shower.
Using Fresh Guard by Efferent Wipes and/or Soak will not damage the unique materials your dental devices are made of.
Look for Fresh Guard by Efferdent Wipes and Fresh Guard by Efferdent Soak in the Oral Health section.
New Kemps Sea Salt Caramel Truffle is here! Kemps, the #1-selling frozen yogurt brand in America, has the smooth-and-creamy taste of ice cream, but with less fat and fewer calories. They have introduced a decadent new flavor and we think you’ll agree that Sea Salt Caramel Truffle – caramel frozen yogurt with caramel filled chocolate truffles, sea salt and ribbons of caramel is a great addition to the other Kemps family-pleasing flavors you’ll find at Price Chopper:
Black Jack Cherry – made with real cherries
Vanilla – a creamy classic
Moose Tracks – smooth vanilla frozen yogurt swirled with Moose Tracks Fudge and mixed with creamy peanut butter cups
Treat your family to one of these delicious flavors today!
Look for Kemps Frozen Yogurt in the Frozen aisle.
Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs Natural Ingredients & Essential Nutrients – Nothing Extra. WHAT WE BELIEVE Food choices are the most important daily decisions we make for our health and well-being and it’s not any different when it comes to feeding our pets. At Purina Beyond, they believe that when they connect with what’s natural, they reconnect with what’s good in food.- REAL MEAT, FISH OR POULTRY IS THE #1 INGREDIENT
- NO CORN, WHEAT OR SOY
- NO ADDED ARTIFICIAL COLORS, FLAVORS OR PRESERVATIVES
- NO POULTRY BY-PRODUCT MEAL
- Look for Purina Beyond in the Pet aisle.
Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs
ICY HOT SMART RELIEF TENS THERAPY
- Same technology used by doctors
- Relieves painful muscles and joints
- Reusable, wire-free and easy to use
- Customizable – 63 intensity levels
- Prescription strength
- For persistent sore or aching muscles
- For relief of chronic pain associated with arthritis
- Convenient: Includes an easily replaceable standard 3V (CR 2032) watch battery
- Safe & Effective: Drug free. Blocks pain signals at the nerves
- Energy Saving: Automatic shut-off after each 30-minute session
- Reusable: Control Unit, electrode pads and battery all are reusable
- Discreet and Portable: Use while doing normal activities
- Personalized Relief: Intensity is adjustable (63 levels)
OSTEO BI-FLEX EDGE
Are your joints ready for action? Osteo Bi-Flex Edge helps strengthen your joints with their exclusive Joint Shield plus Glucosamine and Chondroitin formulas – one for Joint & Energy support and one for Joint & Muscle support.* Joint Shield is designed to help maximize flexibility and agility so you can perform the way you want to.* After all, active joints deserve the best possible support, the kind found in Osteo Bi-Flex.
The Edge Energy formula contains an array of B-Vitamins to help support energy metabolism. The Edge Muscle formula includes Co Q-10, which is naturally produced in the body where its normal role is to help produce energy within muscles.
Osteo Bi-Flex was created to:
- Nurture and help defend your joints.*
- To make sure they’re always ready to perform
- To give you the freedom to chase your joy
- So that you can always be… Ready for Action!
- Look for Osteo Bi-Flex Edge in the Vitamin section.
Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs
JOHNSONVILLE MEATBALLS & SAUSAGE SLICES
- Wheat Thins Popped comes in three flavors:
- Wheat Thins Popped Sea Salt
- Wheat Thins Popped Spicy Cheddar
- Wheat Thins Popped Sour Cream & Onions
Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs
Introducing OXY Daily Defense – acne medications that are designed to be gentle enough for everyday use and keeping skin blemish-free. All of the products in the Daily Defense line are formulated with Salicylic Acid, clinically proven to treat and help prevent acne breakouts by keeping pores clear of excess oil and dead skin cells. OXY Daily Defense works between uses to control breakouts, is ideal for travel and is oil-free. Color-coded blue packaging makes your purchase decision simple – if you have acne-prone skin, use OXY Daily Defense for everyday healthy skin. Look for all of the OXY Daily Defense products in the Skin Care aisle. Skinnygirl Water Enhancers are available in two unique flavors: Blueberry Acai and Pineapple Coconut. They not only taste delicious, but have just 5 calories per serving thanks to a proprietary blend of natural stevia leaf extract and cane sugar. These NEW Skinnygirl Water Enhancers are light, refreshing and allow you to flavor to your liking. Try one today and transform your glass of water into a refreshing beverage with natural flavors, colors and sweeteners. Perfect for a girl-in-the-know, always on the go! Skinnygirl is finding ways to help you lead a more balanced lifestyle with no compromise on taste or the things you love. Creating a great tasting, low calorie beverage choice is important to Bethany Frankel, creator of the Skinnygirl brand. “I wanted to give women a delicious alternative to just plain water and typical sodas.” Look for Skinny Girl Water Enhancers in the Powdered Soft Drink aisle.Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs
Berocca creates an invigorating and enjoyable experience when simply added to a fresh glass or bottle of water. You don’t have an off switch. You wake up on the go and your day and night can be endless. You’re the reason Bayer created Berocca. Support for your mind and body. It’s in the bubbles. Can be taken daily, contains zero sugar and less than 5 calories. Contains about as much caffeine as in one cup of coffee or 90 mg. Berocca contains Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and Zinc and is a good source of Magnesium. Find either the 2 count or 10 count Berocca in two delicious flavors – Orange or Mixed Berry – in the Diet/Nutritional aisle. What is you could get everything you love from Jimmy Dean at breakfast – great quality, exceptional flavor and convenience – for lunch and dinner? Well, now you can with new Jimmy Dean Frozen Entrees. These 16 full-flavored sandwiches and bowls are “slow cooked- fast”. Made with a special blend of seasonings, slow cooked m eats, flavorful sauces, bakery-fresh breads and delicious cheeses, these warm and savory entrees from Jimmy Dean go beyond breakfast and satisfy the heartiest of appetites in no time flat. You will love the variety of lunch and dinner options with eight Jimmy Dean Signature entrees and eight Jimmy Dean Delights entrees for 300 calories or less. With the new Jimmy Dean Frozen Entrees, the Jimmy Dean you love for breakfast is now available for lunch and dinner. Look for Jimmy Dean Frozen Entrees in the Frozen aisle.Written by Jane N. Golub Director In-Store Marketing Programs
Never fear colorful stripes, prints and patterns on white garments again. Clorox Smart Seek Bleach whitens mostly white and solid white garments. It is specially formulated to get whites white, but leave the colors alone; therefore mostly whites and solid whites can be combined and cleaned in the same load. Unique technology delivers just enough power to remove stains and whiten white parts of garments, yet is color safe on most striped white, patterned white and screen printed whites, when used as directed.- Things to avoid: wool, silk, mohair, spandex, nonfast colors, solid colors (including cream and off-white colored solids) and colored fabrics.
- Visit Clorox.com for money saving coupons and to find out “what is a mostly white”.
- Look for Clorox Smart Seek Bleach in the Laundry aisle.
DOLE FRUIT & VEGGIE POWER SMOOTHIE SHAKERS
- All Dole Fruit & Veggie Power Smoothie Shakers are 180 calories and have 5 grams of protein. They are easy to make and convenient.
- Dole Blue Power Shakers contain Vitamins B6, B12 and Folic Acid. It is made from Blueberries, Bananas and Red Beets.
- Dole Red Power Shakers contain Vitamins A & E. It is made from Strawberries and Raspberries with Red Beets and Purple Carrots.
- Dole Yellow Power Shakers contain Vitamin C. It is made from Pineapple, Mangoes and Sweet Potato and Carrots.
- Look for Dole Fruit & Veggie Power Smoothie Shakers in the Frozen aisle next to the Frozen Fruit.











