Are you looking to make a difference in your local community? Price Chopper and Pepsi are proud to announce that we have some very exciting news! We know that times are tough right now and we want to help our local communities. 

Today kicks off the Price Chopper and Pepsi Refresh Project! Together, we are providing up to $30,000 to help fund projects in your neighborhood. 

Starting today until noon on September 28th, tell us your idea for improving your neighborhood.  The first 300 eligible ideas that are submitted will be reviewed and judged. The top 15 ideas will receive $2,000 each in funding.  Don’t forget to come back on October 26th to see which 15 ideas will receive funding. 

Check out www.pricechopper.refresheverything.com to learn everything you need to know about this program.  We also encourage you to check out Pepsi’s national campaign to “Do Good” at www.refresheverything.com. 

Spread the word: Share the Price Chopper and Pepsi Refresh Project with your friends. 

 

We provide more than a way to cross supplies off back to school lists and pack healthy lunches.   With several easy-to-use programs and timely events, we’re supporting your connection to the schools in your neighborhood.

“Tools for Schools,”  which runs through February 12, enters its ninth year with the highest participation since the program’s creation. More than 2,600 schools in our market area benefit as a result.

Once a shopper registers their Price Chopper AdvantEdge card and chooses a school to help, every dollar spent on groceries at Price Chopper’s 128 stores earns points for their school.  No saving of receipts is required!

Purchases of any of the 25,000 specially marked brands from participating sponsors, Price Chopper Brand, Central Market Classics, Top Care, Kellogg’s, Unilever, Kimberly Clark, Nestle Purina Pet Care, J.M. Smuckers, General Mills, Kraft, Nabisco, Heinz, Campbell, Quaker, Clorox, and Proctor & Gamble products, earn double points. School supply purchases also will receive double points.

As part of the program Price Chopper awards $500,000 in needed equipment and materials each school year.

“This program is very easy for anyone to participate.  It only takes a single time to register one’s AdvantEdge card and involves no paperwork.  Every shopper that participates is giving back to their local schools with every shopping trip,” said Christine Tatko, Price Chopper’s Senior Marketing Program Coordinator. “When they purchase specially marked items from participating sponsors they earn double points instantly.  It is very encouraging to ‘donate’ their points to a local school. ”

As an added incentive this year, the top 200 schools will receive a free Anchor Audio Mega Vox Pro PA system and stand worth $950.

The program awards Grand prize winners, which receive 350,000 bonus points in addition to other hundreds of other incentives, based on the greatest volume earned and the greatest value-to-student ratio.  Last year’s winners were Fonda Fultonville School and Wells Village School.

“This is an awesome opportunity that Price Chopper has given to FFCS and all schools at a time when schools are facing tremendous budget cuts. The community did not let this opportunity pass us by and I am very excited about the products we will be getting,” said Robyn Rose, Tools for Schools Coordinator at Fonda-Fultonville Central School District in New York.

“Price Chopper is a true partner in education to the Wells Village School,” said Linda O’Leary, principal of Wells Village School. “Through the ‘Tools for Schools Program,’ we have supplemented our educational resources which is always a necessity in a small rural school. Everyone at our local store in Granville is accommodating and supportive, no matter what we present. We are truly grateful for the continuing generous support …”

 “Thank you so much for running this program.  During this time of tight finances, it has aided our students a great deal!” said Center Street Elementary School in Oneonta, New York.

Here are some other opportunities to give back to the schools in your area:

Campbell’s eLabels For Education

A new program available to Chopper Shoppers is offered through The Campbell Soup Company. Price Chopper is among the four retailers (Kroger, ShopRite and Safeway are the others) in the U.S. offering a new, exciting version of Campbell’s Labels for Education program.

After registering your AdvantEdge Card, you receive 100 bonus points for the school (s) of your choice. Points accrue automatically for the purchase of certain brands. Click here for more.

“Campbell’s eLabels For Education is just another way Price Chopper and our Trade Partners stay involved in the surrounding communities.  Campbell’s is dedicated to providing necessary supplies and equipment for our schools,” said Tara Mahnk, Marketing Program Coordinator for Price Chopper Supermarkets. “This program provides all the perks of the traditional Labels For Education program in a more relevant and convenient platform for our customers.  The gratification is instant and the ease of use makes eLFE customer friendly.” 

Tools for Schools Supply Drive now through Sept. 18

Price Chopper’s Tools for Schools Supply Drive makes it possible for all of us to impact our communities’ classrooms, and the nourishment of young minds, through the donation of needed supplies that are available in our stores.

Price Chopper is partnering with the Salvation Army for supply donations now through Sept. 18.

Buy school supplies at any of Price Chopper’s 128 locations and simply drop them into the specially-designed cart at the front of each store. The donated items go to the local children and families that need them with the help of the Salvation Army, which distributes the supplies.

Fill-the-Bus events

Price Chopper will host Fill-the-Bus events at our Latham store on Saturday, August 28 and at our Clifton Park Shopper’s World store Sunday, August 29, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on both days.

“Too often, children of the neediest families in our communities return to school lacking basic tools that make it possible to complete homework assignments and obtain a good education. Most teachers end up spending hundreds of dollars of their own income on supplies, so that all of their students have what is needed to learn and grow,” said Pam Cerrone, Community Relations Manager for Price Chopper Supermarkets.

Educators expect budget cuts to be more noticeable this year as an increasing number of schools reduce instructional materials, consumable supplies and delay technology and textbook purchases in response to the economic downturn.

And the future is uncertain as the last of federal stimulus funds aimed at helping school districts across the nation dries up in the middle of the 2010-2011 school year, according to a recent report by the American Association of School Administrators.

You don’t have to feel helpless, contribute to your local Supply Drive and find a Fill the Bus event nearest to you. Sign up for Tools for Schools  and Campbell’s Labels for Education today.

Photo credit: Michael Riley, taken at one of our partners, Heritage Farm in Bouckville, NY, July 2010

We are proud to support our local growing community and bring you the best in fresh locally grown produce!

How do you define what “local food” is? According to a May 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it depends on who you ask. Some say local food is “food that has traveled less than 100 miles from farm to store,” while others define local food as having traveled “less than a day.”   There are some who even pin the definition down even further, saying it has to have traveled less than 7 hours.

“Our primary objective is to get you the best, fresh, wholesome food no matter where it’s grown,” said Keith Frosceno, Price Chopper Supermarkets Vice President of Produce Merchandising.

This week at Price Chopper, we’re showcasing the faces of our farmers we partner with and the farms they operate – that’s our commitment to you to give safe, secure food you can count on.  We want you to know your farmer.

“If the consumer knows who grew their product, they feel better. It’s not some kind of anonymous institution or big agribusiness company,” Frosceno said.

Price Chopper uses its economies of scale and resources to buy local product and help small farmers upgrade their food safety practices to bring you quality produce.  Since many fruit and vegetable items are available from all over the country during the summer and fall months, we choose to buy these items such as cucumbers, peppers, peaches, leaf vegetables, apples, squash and corn locally whenever possible.  The list of locally grown items we supply is extensive and growing, because you – the consumer – is demanding more fresh food.

“This is our choice. Over the last 5 years I think most retailers have stocked and promoted local produce more and more. This is specifically aimed to improve the perception of grocery store produce,” said Tom Daly, another member of our Produce Merchandising team. A 2009 national study by the Food Marketing Institute concluded that consumers are buying local not only to get fresh food, but to support their local economy and know the origin of their meal: 

The majority of respondents to a national study cited freshness (82 percent), support for the local economy (75 percent), and knowing the source of the product (58 percent) as reasons for buying local food at direct markets or in conventional grocery stores.

Whatever your reason for buying local, you can take advantage of this week’s deals on produce from the biggest and best priced farmer’s market in your neighborhood.  Become a fan of Price Chopper on Facebook to receive valuable coupon offers each week.  Right now, we have a $5 off $15 fresh produce coupon available for our fans.  What locally grown products will you buy with your coupon?

Photo credit: Michael Riley, taken at one of our partners, Heritage Farm in Bouckville, NY, July 2010

We are proud to support our local growing community and bring you the best in fresh locally grown produce!

How do you define what “local food” is? According to a May 2010 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it depends on who you ask. Some say local food is “food that has traveled less than 100 miles from farm to store,” while others define local food as having traveled “less than a day.”   There are some who even pin the definition down even further, saying it has to have traveled less than 7 hours.

“Our primary objective is to get you the best, fresh, wholesome food no matter where it’s grown,” said Keith Frosceno, Price Chopper Supermarkets Vice President of Produce Merchandising.

This week at Price Chopper, we’re showcasing the faces of our farmers we partner with and the farms they operate – that’s our commitment to you to give safe, secure food you can count on.  We want you to know your farmer.

“If the consumer knows who grew their product, they feel better. It’s not some kind of anonymous institution or big agribusiness company,” Frosceno said.

Price Chopper uses its economies of scale and resources to buy local product and help small farmers upgrade their food safety practices to bring you quality produce.  Since many fruit and vegetable items are available from all over the country during the summer and fall months, we choose to buy these items such as cucumbers, peppers, peaches, leaf vegetables, apples, squash and corn locally whenever possible.  The list of locally grown items we supply is extensive and growing, because you – the consumer – is demanding more fresh food.

“This is our choice. Over the last 5 years I think most retailers have stocked and promoted local produce more and more. This is specifically aimed to improve the perception of grocery store produce,” said Tom Daly, another member of our Produce Merchandising team. A 2009 national study by the Food Marketing Institute concluded that consumers are buying local not only to get fresh food, but to support their local economy and know the origin of their meal: 

The majority of respondents to a national study cited freshness (82 percent), support for the local economy (75 percent), and knowing the source of the product (58 percent) as reasons for buying local food at direct markets or in conventional grocery stores.

Whatever your reason for buying local, you can take advantage of this week’s deals on produce from the biggest and best priced farmer’s market in your neighborhood.  Become a fan of Price Chopper on Facebook to receive valuable coupon offers each week.  Right now, we have a $5 off $15 fresh produce coupon available for our fans.  What locally grown products will you buy with your coupon?

We’re giving our shoppers a reason to really celebrate the week of July 4th.  Beginning Sunday July 4th through Saturday July 10, you can earn twice as much towards your Fuel AdvantEdge discounts when you buy any of our 6 store brands products!  Every time you buy one of these products [Price Chopper, Central Market Classics, Price Chopper Naturals, Full Circle, Clear Value, TopCare, and all store brand fresh items] you will be credited with twice the amount towards your Fuel AdvantEdge discounts.  That includes over 8,000 items to choose from!

You can earn twice as much towards your fuel discount in every department across our stores!  The double discount only applies to our store brand products, not your entire order.  This is the week to stock up and save big on gas! 

Meat Department:

Produce Department:

Deli/Food Service Department:

Bakery Department:

Seafood Department:

Floral Department:

General Merchandise/Health & Beauty Care:

 What are your favorite store brand items?  We hope you will take this opportunity to try our brands and discover some great new items!  Leave a comment telling us about your experience with our double fuel points on store brands program and be entered to win a $50 Price Chopper gift certificate and a Central Market Classics gift basket!

Beginning this Sunday, January 24th, every time you purchase any 10 products from our corporate brands collection with your AdvantEdge card, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win $5,200 in Price Chopper gift certificates!  Our brands (see below for the complete list) include all grocery, frozen, dairy, fresh and general merchandise/health and beauty care items with the labels shown below.

 For each two week period, every ten items will qualify for another entry, up to 60 items of 6 entries per two week period.  The winner will be identified electronically though a random pull of qualified shoppers.  There will be one winner every two weeks for each of the twelve weeks, with a total of 6 winners for the event!

The contest will run through April 17th – plenty of time to stock up on your favorite corporate brand items!  If you love our brands already, you know how easy it is to purchase 10 of these items on any shopping trip!  In case you have not tried our brands yet, this gives you the perfect opportunity to try them out and qualify to win!

                                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     

 

 

 

 

 

Albany Medical Center announced this month that it has renamed the Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders the “Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders” to commemorate 30 years of sponsors’ support of the Capital Region’s popular holiday concert series—Melodies of Christmas. To date, thanks to corporate partners Price Chopper, Freihofer’s and WRGB CBS-6, the event has raised approximately $5.7 million to support the region’s only pediatric cancer service.

“Today we honor all of the people who have been associated with Melodies of Christmas these many years and have worked tirelessly to ensure that as long as families in our region face the difficult reality of childhood cancer, they will be able to find hope here at Albany Medical Center,” said James J. Barba, president and CEO of Albany Medical Center. “With the support of Price Chopper, Freihofer’s, CBS-6, and the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale, Albany Med has been able to provide the medical and emotional support necessary to provide the very best care for our young patients and their families in a comfortable and nurturing environment. We are sincerely grateful.”

Albany Med’s pediatric cancer program employs a multi-disciplinary team consisting of four pediatric hematologist/oncologists, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, highly trained chemotherapy nurses, a pediatric social worker, and a child life specialist. In addition, the program is supported by all of Albany Medical Center’s pediatric subspecialists. More than 700 children are seen on a yearly basis in this area for a wide range of cancers and blood disorders.

“The naming of the ‘Melodies Center’ is a wonderful tribute to the commitment that Price Chopper, Freihofer’s and CBS6 have made – and will continue to make – to the world class Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders programs at Albany Medical Center through the annual Melodies of Christmas performances,” said Neil Golub, president and CEO of Price Chopper. “It is a joy to support this annual holiday tradition that touches so many in our community while raising significant funds for the Medical Center,” he added.

“Freihofer’s is deeply honored and humbled to be a part of this very exciting announcement today,” said Mike Loscalzo, vice president of sales at Freihofer’s. “We have been a part of Melodies of Christmas since its inception 30 years ago and we are extremely committed to raising funds each year for the childhood cancer and blood disorder program at Albany Medical Center.”

Begun in 1980, the Melodies of Christmas four-day concert series, which features the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorale, has become one of the Medical Center’s largest fundraising initiatives and the largest out-of-studio television production between New York City and Montreal. In addition to the 10,000 attendees each year, tens of thousands of viewers tune in to the 90-minute special on WRGB CBS 6 shown on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

“From the planning and staging to the shooting and editing, producing Melodies is a challenge CBS 6 looks forward to year after year. Showcasing the tremendously talented kids in the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Youth Chorale, Melodies has always been about kids helping kids, and I think that’s a big reason why our communities have so embraced it through generations,” said Lisa Jackson, CBS 6 news director and Melodies executive producer. “Melodies of Christmas is simply the people of our region working together at our very best, for a very good cause. We are immensely proud of this remarkable seasonal celebration, the great work it facilitates for children, and the tremendous honor Albany Med has bestowed in naming the center in honor of Melodies.”

Albany Medical Center is northeastern New York’s only academic health sciences center. It consists of Albany Medical College, Albany Medical Center Hospital and the Albany Medical Center Foundation, Inc. Additional information about Albany Medical Center can be found at www.amc.edu

Seats are still available for this year’s Melodies of Christmas Performances at Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady, NY.

George Reisch III, Brewmaster for Anheuser-Busch

Contrary to popular belief, wine is not the sole adult beverage accompaniment to a meal.  Have you ever considered learning to pair beer with your food? The Brewmaster from Anheuser-Busch shared some valuable tips and lessons with Price Chopper associates on how to choose your brew based on what you are serving for dinner. 

Beer offers a natural complement to food, because it IS food (born of natural ingredients like barley, hops, water and yeast).  Beer also offers unprecedented refreshment, beer is not overly sweet and is meant to be swallowed, not sipped.  Light carbonation can cleanse the palate, and beer’s alcohol content per fluid ounce is moderate compared to wine and hard liquor.  Beer complements a range of cuisines, including American Classics, Asian Fusion, and Latino/Spicy.

Before pairing your food and beer selections, there are a few preliminary decisions to consider:

Step 1: Glassware

Glassware is critical to capturing the unique characteristics of the various styles of beer you may serve. Don’t worry – many of the different basic glassware styles are already in your cupboard!  There are five basic styles:

Glassware (from left to right)

 

  1. Tall Fluted Glass for Light Lagers
  2. Tulip Glass for Full Bodied Lagers
  3. Snifter/Goblet for Robust Porters
  4. Mug/Stein for German-styleMaerzen/Oktoberfest
  5. Traditional Pilsner Glass for Mid-bodied Lagers

Step 2:  Pouring and Tasting

The most common error when it comes to pouring is tilting the glass and pouring down the side of the glass. This minimizes the foam and traps the natural carbonation of the beer, allowing for a flat gassy taste which is NOT what the brewmaster designed! 

Here’s how to correctly pour:

Place your glassware flat on a counter, bring the beer to the edge of the glass, quickly raise the bottle or can to 45 degrees and send that beer right down the middle of the glass!  Enjoy the ensuing gurgle and the substantial head of foam. As the foam rises, slowly reduce the pour until it rises to the tip of the glass. The foam will release the carbon dioxide, flavor and aromas to your nose exactly where they are supposed to be. If you drink your beer directly from the bottle or can, this will never happen and you’ll never enjoy the aromas the brew master locked inside that container of beer. To complete this step, simply and slowly bring the glass to your lips and savor the aroma as you enjoy the taste.

Step 3: Pairing the Beer with Food

There are 3 Basic Principles to consider:

Balance: Your food and beer should create a balance of flavor when consumed. No single flavor should dominate, and this is achieved by contrasting flavors of food with different styles of beer, or by choosing a beer that complements the dish.

Contrast: Your beer and food can offset each item’s distinguishable flavor elements. Some foods pair better with beers that have opposite flavors or textures. Take the dominant flavor in a food dish, or beer type, and pair it with the complete opposite; for example take pasta with broccoli rabe and spicy sausage and pair it with a rich, malty amber lager to mellow out the intensity of the food.

Complement: Sometimes similar flavors work to form an agreeable taste or complimentary pairing. A suitable example of this would be a rich molten chocolate cake served with a dark, toasty porter or stout which works well with the strong, sweet flavors of the dessert. In this combination, even the colors of the pairing are in alignment.

 Key Flavor Elements in Beer:                                                                                             

 Key Flavor Elements in Food:

General Guidelines for Pairing the Beer with Food

We hope you find these tips helpful for preparing your holiday table this year.  Happy holidays to you and yours from Price Chopper.

George Reisch III, Brewmaster for Anheuser-Busch

Contrary to popular belief, wine is not the sole adult beverage accompaniment to a meal.  Have you ever considered learning to pair beer with your food? The Brewmaster from Anheuser-Busch shared some valuable tips and lessons with Price Chopper associates on how to choose your brew based on what you are serving for dinner. 

Beer offers a natural complement to food, because it IS food (born of natural ingredients like barley, hops, water and yeast).  Beer also offers unprecedented refreshment, beer is not overly sweet and is meant to be swallowed, not sipped.  Light carbonation can cleanse the palate, and beer’s alcohol content per fluid ounce is moderate compared to wine and hard liquor.  Beer complements a range of cuisines, including American Classics, Asian Fusion, and Latino/Spicy.

Before pairing your food and beer selections, there are a few preliminary decisions to consider:

Step 1: Glassware

Glassware is critical to capturing the unique characteristics of the various styles of beer you may serve. Don’t worry – many of the different basic glassware styles are already in your cupboard!  There are five basic styles:

Glassware (from left to right)

 

  1. Tall Fluted Glass for Light Lagers
  2. Tulip Glass for Full Bodied Lagers
  3. Snifter/Goblet for Robust Porters
  4. Mug/Stein for German-styleMaerzen/Oktoberfest
  5. Traditional Pilsner Glass for Mid-bodied Lagers

Step 2:  Pouring and Tasting

The most common error when it comes to pouring is tilting the glass and pouring down the side of the glass. This minimizes the foam and traps the natural carbonation of the beer, allowing for a flat gassy taste which is NOT what the brewmaster designed! 

Here’s how to correctly pour:

Place your glassware flat on a counter, bring the beer to the edge of the glass, quickly raise the bottle or can to 45 degrees and send that beer right down the middle of the glass!  Enjoy the ensuing gurgle and the substantial head of foam. As the foam rises, slowly reduce the pour until it rises to the tip of the glass. The foam will release the carbon dioxide, flavor and aromas to your nose exactly where they are supposed to be. If you drink your beer directly from the bottle or can, this will never happen and you’ll never enjoy the aromas the brew master locked inside that container of beer. To complete this step, simply and slowly bring the glass to your lips and savor the aroma as you enjoy the taste.

Step 3: Pairing the Beer with Food

There are 3 Basic Principles to consider:

Balance: Your food and beer should create a balance of flavor when consumed. No single flavor should dominate, and this is achieved by contrasting flavors of food with different styles of beer, or by choosing a beer that complements the dish.

Contrast: Your beer and food can offset each item’s distinguishable flavor elements. Some foods pair better with beers that have opposite flavors or textures. Take the dominant flavor in a food dish, or beer type, and pair it with the complete opposite; for example take pasta with broccoli rabe and spicy sausage and pair it with a rich, malty amber lager to mellow out the intensity of the food.

Complement: Sometimes similar flavors work to form an agreeable taste or complimentary pairing. A suitable example of this would be a rich molten chocolate cake served with a dark, toasty porter or stout which works well with the strong, sweet flavors of the dessert. In this combination, even the colors of the pairing are in alignment.

 Key Flavor Elements in Beer:                                                                                             

 Key Flavor Elements in Food:

General Guidelines for Pairing the Beer with Food

We hope you find these tips helpful for preparing your holiday table this year.  Happy holidays to you and yours from Price Chopper.

giftcardwomanIt’s big gift giving news this holiday season at Price Chopper.  Have you seen gas prices go up over the past few weeks?  Well, here is another way to put more money back in your own pocket instead of spending it at the gas pump. Every time Chopper Shoppers buy gift cards,  they get a gift….BIG GAS DISCOUNTS!!!   Here are the top 5 reasons to get your gift cards from us!!!

  1. When you buy gift cards, you save on gas!
  2. You save time and money with the one stop shop!
  3. We have all your favorite gift cards!
  4. We have all their favorite gift cards!
  5. Save even more on gas when you buy your gift cards at Price Chopper for YOUR favorite retailers, then use them to pay for your holiday gifts!

Chopper Shoppers, lets put this in perspective, if you spend $500 on gift cards for your friends and family, you will receive $1 off per gallon of gas up to 20 gallons….that’s $20 back in your pocket instead of in your gas tank!  That discount is just for gift cards, then add on the fuel rewards that you get for buying your groceries, party platters, floral arrangements, holiday cards, hostess gifts and any other things you may need to may the holidays special and you will save BIG on your fuel bill this holiday season!

Choose from over 50 gift cards like Toys R Us, Applebees, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, and many, many more!  Visit pricechopper.com for details.

*Offer does not include the purchase of Price Chopper gift cards. Fuel discounts are given on Price Chopper gift cards upon redemption of the card.  Gift Card Purchase is limited to $999 in a single transaction.  Subject to availability.  See gift cards for details, terms, conditions and (if applicable) fees.  All trademarks are property of their respective owners.  The Visa Gift Card is issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.