This football season, Kraft Foods’ Huddle to Fight Hunger, the largest hunger relief effort of its kind, is on a mission to help donate 25 million meals to Feeding America®.  Hunger in America is a growing concern.  According to Feeding America, more than 49  million Americans live in food insecure households.  Kraft Foods is raising the bar on fighting hunger by rallying around three things that Americans are passionate about– food, football, and helping others.  Last year, Kraft Foods and its family of iconic brands donated more than 20 million meals, and we are excited to be contributing to the cause!

To celebrate this year’s launch of Huddle to Fight Hunger locally, Kraft Foods and Price Chopper are helping to provide 50,000 meals to Feeding America on behalf of local food banks.* Throughout the duration of the football season, show your support for this program by purchasing Kraft Foods products at Price Chopper.  Make sure to check out our Facebook page for some great coupons on Kraft products!  Also, the featured items in these game-day recipes and this week’s website coupons are great ways to support this program! Kraft Foods is leveraging the love for America’s favorite brands, including Planters, Oreos, Ritz, Capri Sun, Maxwell House, and Kraft Cheese products by bringing delicious and exciting experiences that will inspire our customers to help support the cause.  Be on the lookout for the culmination of the Huddle to Fight Hunger program with the second annual Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, which takes place at AT&T Park in San Francisco this New Year’s Eve. For each new “Like” on The Kraft Fight Hunger Facebook page, Kraft Foods will donate one meal to Feeding America.  Be sure to visit this page to learn more about the program and to help a family in need. *Price Chopper’s 50,000 meals is part of Kraft Foods’ overall goal of providing 25 million meals. The monetary equivalent of meals will be donated. $0.14 equals one meal secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks. Here at Price Chopper, we are just beginning to fall in love with fall!  This week on our Facebook page, we are offering a coupon for our Central Market Classics Coffee Cake.  These cakes come in chocolate chip and cinnamon walnut.  Coffee cake is a delicious and easy treat that can be enjoyed as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an after dinner dessert!   Coffee cake is also great because it is enjoyed by all ages and makes a great centerpiece for any family kitchen.  This fall season has definitely arrived, and although we are sad to see the summer days go, we are excited for everything that fall brings.  Making new friends at school, apple picking, corn mazes and hayrides are all perks of the season.  What do you love about the fall? Take advantage of our coupon for coffee cake this week and start to embrace everything that fall has to offer!  Why not indulge in a big slice of coffee cake and catch up on a good book while the kids are at school?  Or find a new recipe for apple sauce and test it with your children using fresh and locally grown apples!  The possibilities are endless—the fall is a great time of the year to relax and watch the changing foliage.  Be sure to check out our Facebook page for great offers—including a chance to win a year’s worth of our Central Market Classics Coffee Cake FREE! As a neighbor to many, if not most of the communities that suffered damages and loss at the hands of Hurricane Irene, Price Chopper is busy working with the American Red Cross to stock shelters and raise funds to assist with the response and recovery.  On Monday and yesterday, we partnered with our friends from Albany Broadcasting (FLY 92.3, B95.5, The Magic 100.1, and The Cat (Country) 104.9 to collect food, water, clothes, toys and monetary donations at several of our stores. And yesterday, with our partners at WNYT Channel 13 and the American Red Cross, we launched our well-established ‘Your Help Counts’ pin-up campaign in all of our 128 stores. Your Help Counts: Irene is a pin-up campaign that accepts donations at every open register at all Price Chopper stores. 100% of the donations made go directly to the American Red Cross to assist those in the local region who need their help. Pin-ups, which will be available throughout the month of September, ‘sell’ for $1 each, but larger donations are welcome and can be made at any level.  (Our friends from the Sunrise Rotary in Rotterdam NY sent in a donation for $2,500 today!) Price Chopper has committed to match the first $10,000 donated. Additionally, we are donating $1 to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts from the sale of every whole fresh-made pizza (whether take & bake or hot for take-out) from now until Labor Day.  With several of our stores located Hurricane-affected areas,  we have seen the damage firsthand and are working to help our customers and teammates alike deal with the aftermath. As a provider of food, water, pet food, Rx prescriptions and other vital life needs, we are busy responding to requests from all six states where our stores are located. In the meantime, we send wishes of peace and comfort to all who are struggling and thanks to all who join in the effort to offer assistance. God bless. Fall is a great season for sporting events and Price Chopper and Unilever want to help you throw a great Game Day tailgate party while taking advantage of great fuel savings!  This week, you can save up to $1 off per gallon of gas when you purchase $25 or more of participating Unilever Products.  Check out our Ad for a list of great items including Ragu Pasta Sauces, Wish Bone Salad Dressings, Dove Soaps and Body Wash, and so much more!  What an easy way to save money at the tank!  How do you and your family spend ‘Game Days’?  Are there certain traditions that you have such as gathering together to watch your favorite teams on television, or making tons of finger foods for your family and friends? We want to know how you prepare for and spend these Game Days!  In our Ad this week, you will find a great deal on Breyers and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream—why not kick off the game season with ‘make your own sundaes’ with your kids!  Don’t forget to tell us about your Game Day traditions; five lucky winners will be chosen to each win $100 in Price Chopper gift certificates!  Post your traditions and stories on our blog and under the corresponding Facebook post to be entered by 10:00 am EST on September 2, 2011! Winners will be notified by email. Price Chopper and Unilever Game Day Contest Official Rules Fall is a great season for sporting events and Price Chopper and Unilever want to help you throw a great Game Day tailgate party while taking advantage of great fuel savings!  This week, you can save up to $1 off per gallon of gas when you purchase $25 or more of participating Unilever Products.  Check out our Ad for a list of great items including Ragu Pasta Sauces, Wish Bone Salad Dressings, Dove Soaps and Body Wash, and so much more!  What an easy way to save money at the tank!  How do you and your family spend ‘Game Days’?  Are there certain traditions that you have such as gathering together to watch your favorite teams on television, or making tons of finger foods for your family and friends? We want to know how you prepare for and spend these Game Days!  In our Ad this week, you will find a great deal on Breyers and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream—why not kick off the game season with ‘make your own sundaes’ with your kids!  Don’t forget to tell us about your Game Day traditions; five lucky winners will be chosen to each win $100 in Price Chopper gift certificates!  Post your traditions and stories on our blog and under the corresponding Facebook post to be entered by 10:00 am EST on September 2, 2011! Winners will be notified by email. Price Chopper and Unilever Game Day Contest Official Rules

Written by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

As a Price Chopper In-Store Community Nutritionist, every week I meet many people who tell me that they’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes.  Unfortunately, this is no surprise, as over 21 million people have the disease and another 54 million are considered “pre-diabetic.” Fortunately though, many of the symptoms of diabetes can be managed with diet and exercise and at Price Chopper we offer many services for our customers with diabetes.

Just what is diabetes? “Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin,” as defined by the American Diabetes Association.  Type I Diabetes requires daily insulin injections and dietary management and is often diagnosed at an early age. Type II diabetes generally occurs later in life and can usually be managed with lifestyle modifications (diet & exercise) along with oral medication. Gestational Diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and requires close medical supervision.

Being diagnosed with diabetes can be scary, and requires proper medical supervision as well as medication.  People diagnosed with diabetes will most likely need to make some lifestyle changes. However, millions of people with diabetes live happy and fulfilling lives once they’ve learned to manage their illness through diet, exercise and medication. Most people with diabetes know that they have to limit sweets and foods with lots of added sugars or refined grains, but beyond that there is a lot of confusion about what people with diabetes can or can’t eat.  For more information, check out Price Chopper’s resources for those living with diabetes.

Diabetes Friendly Meal Using this week’s Sale Items Chipotle & Orange Chicken  Served over Brown Rice Or A Gilding of Shrimp & Saffron Rice And Green Salad with Goat Cheese And Fresh Bartlett Pears or Strawberries [slideshow]

Guest post by Kimberly Houser PharmD, RPh

As summer comes to a close and kids head back to school, it’s time to start thinking about getting your seasonal flu shot. Price Chopper Pharmacists are ready to provide you with this essential immunization again this flu season.

The flu virus most commonly causes mild symptoms which tend to include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, chills, and fatigue. More importantly, the flu virus is associated with complications that may include hospitalization and even death. Therefore, it is very important to receive your flu vaccine to help prevent illness and the associated complications.

The seasonal flu vaccine is now recommended for anyone over the age of six months. It also provides protection against the H1N1 virus. It takes about 14 days after vaccination before you are protected, so don’t wait!

Stop by your local Price Chopper Pharmacy to receive your flu shot today and prepare yourself for this upcoming season before it is too late! Visit our Price Chopper Website to see which locations have clinics scheduled.

Written by Sylvia Geiger MS, RD, CD, Price Chopper Community Nutritionist

It seems like I’ve opened a Bed & Breakfast this summer—every week my house has been full with out- of- town guests. But I enjoy being a host, and I like to share my home and make my guests feel welcome by cooking for them.  However, some houseguests come with special dietary needs, and understanding some basics about their food requirements goes a long way in making everyone comfortable.  Next week I’ll have a visitor who has celiac disease, and I want to make their stay easy, comfortable and enjoyable. I’m planning on having some gluten-free foods on-hand for them to graze on and my menus will be gluten-free or have some alternatives that they can enjoy.  This allows family meals to be enjoyed together without singling out anyone based on what they can or can’t eat.

People who have celiac disease are usually very knowledgeable about what foods contains gluten, so be sure to ask them for some ideas for stocking your fridge.  Here are some basics for those who are new to gluten-free cooking.  For starters, people with celiac disease cannot eat any foods that contain gluten because it causes severe gastrointestinal immune reactions that can make them very sick.

Gluten foods are any foods that have wheat, barley or rye in them or that have ingredients that include wheat, barley or rye. Oats don’t contain gluten but are usually processed in plants that may be contaminated with wheat—so ask your guest or avoid oat-containing foods as well!

 9 Ideas for Accommodating Your Gluten-free Guest

  1. Plan ahead and read ingredient lists on food packages.  Many processed foods contain hidden gluten.  Be sure to check soups, soup stock, rice mixes or premade sauces to see if they contain gluten. This is a case of “when in doubt—leave it out.”  Your guest will appreciate your effort.
  2. Call or email your in-store Price Chopper Registered Dietitian with any gluten-free question.  They can be reached at Price Chopper Registered Dietitians
  3. Use our Price Chopper gluten-free foods list when shopping for your guest.  It will take out the guesswork about what does or doesn’t contain gluten. Gluten-free foods at Price Chopper
  4. Fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free—so have plenty on hand for snacking.
  5. Rice, wild rice, corn and quinoa are gluten-free foods. Price Chopper does sell several different brands of gluten-free pasta.
  6. Meat, fish and chicken are also gluten-free, but some cold cuts do contain wheat starch as binders.  Ask our teammates in deli to direct you to our Gluten-free selections.
  7. Milk, cheese and most yogurts are gluten-free although some ice creams & yogurts may have modified food starch, which contains wheat. Avoid those.
  8. Want a beverage to complement your meal? Remember that Beer and Malt containing beverages have gluten, but wine doesn’t.
  9. We sell several brands of gluten-free breads, cookies, snacks and other foods.  One of our teammates will be happy to help you with finding any !

Simple Gluten-free Menu Ideas Made with this week’s sale items

Steamed Mussels in Tomato Broth

Or

Flank Steak with Peach, Plum and Nectarine Salsa

with

Balsamic and Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Brown or White Rice

Or

Roasted Red Potatoes

Try some fresh cut fruit for dessert!

[slideshow]

Guest post by Kathy from Albany, NY

**If you have a family tradition or favorite dish that you would like to feature on our blog, we encourage you to send your ideas to photos@pricechopper.com.  You don’t need to be a blogger to write a guest post for our blog!**

My youngest daughter recently celebrated her 25th birthday.  As I was making her traditional birthday cake – the dirt cake – I began to think about the past 24 dirt cakes & how this tradition has become important in our family.  She was born in the summer, so birthdays were always celebrated by the pool.  On her 2nd birthday, in addition to a regular cake, we surprised her with the Flower Pot Dirt Cake.  The cake was an instant hit among the adults as well as the children. From that year on, the Dirt Cake has always been a part of her birthday celebration!  Although you can make this cake anytime, for our family  we look forward to this cake on her birthday.  Hopefully, I will be making Dirt Cake for my “little girl”  for many years to come, and maybe this tradition will be passed on to my grandchildren!!

Dirt Cake Recipe Crush Oreos in food processor.  Use about half of the  mixture for the bottom of the flower pot or pan. Combine cream cheese, margarine & powdered sugar. In separate bowl, make the pudding & fold in the whipped topping. Fold together the cream cheese & the pudding mixture. Pour mixture into flour pot or pan & cover with the remaining crushed oreos. Add the gummy worms & flowers if you like. Refrigerate & Enjoy!

Price Chopper is happy to announce the launch of our Winning 4 Education program!   Winning 4 Education is our new program which raises money for registered schools through the Box Tops for Education program!  Starting on August 8th, customers will be able to register for this great program and start earning Bonux Box Tops for their Box Tops for Education Registered school.  Since 1996, Box Tops for Education has earned more than $400 million for America’s Box Top for Education registered schools and Price Chopper is excited to support the program in our stores.  Customers can go to www.winningforeducation.com to register for Winning 4 Education with their respective Box Top for Education registered school and AdvantEdge card.  When customers buy any participating General Mills Box Top product during a promotional window, they will automatically earn Bonus Box Tops towards their Box Top for Education school!  The Bonus Box Tops will be added right at the register.  Customers can still clip Box Tops and send them in for additional earnings. See www.boxtops4education.com for more details about the Box Tops for Education Program!

Price Chopper welcomes Box Tops for Education as an addition to our three other education savings programs; UPromise, Tools for Schools, and eLabels for Education.  Below is a refresher on how our other school savings programs work!

UPromise–   Customers gain money towards college education through exclusive coupons and discounts on groceries.  Learn more and sign up with your AdvantEdge card at pricechopper.com! Tools for Schools– From July 31st through March 31st, customers will be able to earn points towards educational equipment for their respective schools.  This year, Price Chopper is asking everyone to reenroll in the program either in store at Guest Services or at pricechopper.com with their AdvantEdge card.  Remember, every dollar you spend at Price Chopper earns you one point towards educational equipment!!

eLabels for Education– Collect points for purchasing one of the sponsoring eLabels brands and earn money for your school!  Customers can sign up for this program at pricechopper.com or www.elabelsforeducation.com and start earning points electronically with their AdvantEdge card!

Remember, the best part about all of our school savings programs is that they can all be done using your AdvantEdge card!! Not only are you earning money and equipment for your schools, but you are also gaining fuel savings!!