We believe that great meals don’t have to come with a high price tag. Our Value Meal Program is designed to bring you delicious, budget-friendly recipes every week—each costing under $4 per plate! Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for easy, affordable meal ideas, we’ve got you covered. This week, we’re featuring Pasta Bake, Shepherd’s Pie, and Italian Wedding Soup—hearty, comforting dishes that are simple to make and full of flavor. Enjoy quality meals without breaking the bank, and stay tuned for more tasty, wallet-friendly recipes every week!
Pasta Bake
Shepard's Pie
Italian Wedding Soup
1lb Ground Beef M32 85% Lean Ground Beef |
Barilla Pasta |
| Rinaldi Sauce |
Pics Pizza Blend Cheese |
McCormcik Italian Seasoning |
| PICS Grated Cheese-3oz |
1lb Ground Beef M32 85% Lean Ground Beef |
Market 32 Russet Potatoes |
Market 32 Yellow Onions |
Pics Beef Broth |
| Pics Mixed Vegetables |
1lb Ground Beef M32 85% Lean Ground Beef |
Fresh Express Spinach |
Pics Chicken Broth |
Pics Orzo |
Garlic |
Celery |
| Market 32 Baby Carrots |
Market 32/Price Chopper has taken a big step to support wellbeing and fresh produce access for SNAP participants in the Schenectady and Syracuse market areas. January 2025 marks the launch of a great partnership between the Field and Fork Network, managers of the Double Up Food Bucks Nutrition Incentive program, and our company.
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) is a nutrition incentive program that matches SNAP purchases of qualifying fresh fruits and vegetables via Catalina coupon rewards. DUFB provides a $1 for $1 match up to $20 per day to be spent on a future shopping trip.
As a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist, I am thrilled to see this program come to our stores and communities. The program ensures participants can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables they like and can prepare and rewards them to ensure they can purchase it again, building the habits that deliver improved wellbeing over time. It is a model that has proven its value since it was started in Michigan in 2009. The coupons can only be redeemed on fresh fruits and vegetables from the Produce department, doubling SNAP benefit power on these items.
DUFB benefits more than SNAP participants – it supports families, farmers and local purchasing, and communities. That ripple effect is critical to the success of the program and the farmers growing local fruits and vegetables. DUFB is currently operating in 38 counties across New York States and supports the work of over 550 individual produce vendors. The program is operating at 60 different farmers markets, farm stands and CSA programs, 65 grocery stores, and 155 individual mobile market sites.
In 2024, more than $1.7 million Double Up Food Bucks were spent by NYS residents, a more than $700,000 increase from 2023. Since the program’s inception in 2014, Field & Fork Network has distributed over $3.6 million in Double-Up Food Bucks to communities across the state. The Double Up Food Bucks program is currently running in 27 states and is administered by individual organizations and agencies.
Market 32 and Price Chopper have been part of healthy food access for over 80 years, and we hope to see this program continue to expand in our communities and stores. Learn more about this important program here.
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
When it comes to cooking delicious meals on a budget, finding recipes that offer great value without sacrificing flavor is key. In this blog, we’re bringing you two classic dishes—Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Stir Fry—that are not only easy to make but also cost-effective and packed with taste. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy, comforting stroganoff or a quick, savory stir fry, these recipes will help you stretch your ingredients while still delivering a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into these budget-friendly, flavor-packed dishes!
Beef Stroganoff
Chicken Stir Fry
CAB Sirloin |
Fage Sour Cream |
Market 32 Whole White Mushrooms |
Market 32 Bulk Onions |
Egg Noodles |
Pics Canned Beef Broth |
| Garlic |
Market 32 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs |
Success Boil in Bag rice |
Pics Soy Sauce |
Pics Stir Fry Vegetables |
Pics Canned Chicken Broth |
| Garlic |
OR Try This FUN Spin!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, delicious meals, and heartfelt moments with the ones you love. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or a fun gathering with friends, we’ve got everything you need to make the day extra special. From decadent desserts to festive recipes and thoughtful gift ideas, let’s make this Valentine’s Day one to remember!
WE GOT YOU COVERED FOR SOME DATE NIGHT IDEAS!!
- Heart-Shaped Pizza 🍕 – Make homemade pizza and shape the dough into a heart for a fun and delicious dinner.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries 🍓 – An easy yet elegant treat for any Valentine’s celebration.
- Strawberry or Raspberry Pancakes 🥞 – Start the day with heart-shaped pancakes topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- DIY Hot Chocolate Bar ☕ – Set up a station with marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles for a cozy treat.
- Cupid’s Mocktail or Cocktail 🍹 – Mix a fun pink or red drink with sparkling water, fruit juices, and garnishes.
- Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board ❤️ – A mix of cheeses, fruits, chocolates, and nuts in a festive heart-shaped arrangement.
- Love-Themed Cupcakes 🧁 – Bake cupcakes with red and pink frosting, sprinkles, and cute toppers.
- Homemade Pasta Night 🍝 – Make pasta from scratch and serve with a rich, romantic sauce.
- Red Velvet Cake or Brownies 🍰 – A classic Valentine’s dessert for any sweet tooth.
- Sweetheart Trail Mix 🌟 – Mix popcorn, pretzels, chocolate, and candy hearts for a festive snack.
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful seafood meal plan, you’re in for a treat! This week, we’re featuring two restaurant-worthy dishes that are surprisingly easy to make at home: baked cod and shrimp scampi. These recipes are packed with fresh flavors, rich in protein, and perfect for a balanced, satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or planning a special dinner, this combo offers the perfect blend of light, flaky cod and garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to pair these dishes with the right sides for a complete, nutritious meal.
Baked Cod
Shrimp Scamp
Cod Fillet |
Asparagus |
Cherry Tomatoes |
Pics Parmesean Cheese |
| Lemon |
Market 32 Farm Raised Shrimp |
Pics Parmesean Cheese |
Lemon |
Garlic |
Pics Pasta |
| Broccoli Crowns |
OR TRY THIS FUN SPIN!!
Pizza Plays for the Big Game
Hosting for the big game this weekend? Pizza is a great game day option to impress your guests. And we have a variety of pizza plays for you to score big. Try out one of offerings so you’re ready to in time for kickoff.
Crafted with stone-fired pizza dough and topped with fresh ingredients, our great-tasting pizzas are ready when you are – just take ’em and bake ’em. Featuring scrumptious varieties like Pepperoni, Margherita, Meat Lovers, Mushroom & Blue, classic Cheese, and more.
Our crispy pan pizzas are covered with the finest, freshest toppings from corner to corner, generously layered on top of our 100% natural whole milk mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce, made from vine ripened tomatoes. Our pizza is baked fresh in 500° ovens for an authentic old-world taste with our signature crispy bottom. Our pizza is thicker than a New York style, yet thinner than a Chicago style pizza. We use 100% natural whole milk mozzarella and only the freshest toppings.
Our new and enhanced takeout meal options are perfect game day, especially our new Pizza and Wings option. Now you can get 2 Pizzas and 2Lbs. of Wings for $34.99. Order it hot and ready, or cold to bake at home when you’re ready to eat. Plus, we’ve shortened our order lead time to 24 hours to better accommodate you’re planning. Impress your guests for the big game and order today.
We offer a variety of frozen pizza toppings through our PICS line of products. Choose a couple of your favorites, and you’ll be ready for gameday with guests in no time. Our exciting options include BBQ Chicken, Pepperoni, Buffalo Style Chicken and much more. With our new Brewery Crust style to elevate crispiness and enjoyment.
Looking to have some fun in the kitchen ahead of the game? We have all the ingredients you need to make your own homemade pie, just the way you like it. Shop our collection of pizza-making essentials now.
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
February is Lactose Awareness Month. Lactose is a type of carbohydrate or natural sugar found in dairy products. Some adults and children are sensitive to lactose, meaning, some dairy products may cause stomach upset. Dairy products are an important source of 13 essential nutrients; understanding how to manage this challenge is important to ensure you and your family don’t lose access to favorite foods and their nutrient-rich health benefits, such as calcium and phosphorus, that strengthen teeth and bones, whey and casein proteins that promote lean muscle mass, and Vitamins A, B2, B12, and Vitamin D, all important for energy, immune system health and production of red blood cells.
Lactose sensitivity (also known as intolerance) occurs for different reasons, ranging from genetics, age, medical conditions and cancer treatments. It can occur at any time of life, and may be very mild to more acute, depending on the cause. How much milk and dairy we regularly enjoy also plays a role – for example, if you regularly had milk and other dairy foods as a child, but gradually reduced the quantity over time, you may be surprised by a new sensitivity. For some people, lack of dairy intake over time changes how much we can make of the lactase enzyme, key to being able to digest dairy foods.
The good news is, there are still a lot of options. The more you know, the more confident and comfortable you will be.
Enjoy:
- Lactose-free milk and ice cream – all the great taste and benefits of regular milk without the lactose. Bonus – these can also substitute for milk in any recipe!
- Trace amounts – 1 gram or less per serving: Natural cheeses, cream, whipped cream, butter, American cheese, cream cheese, and ricotta cheese.
- Small amounts – 3 – 5 grams of lactose per serving: Cottage cheese, traditional and Greek yogurts. The cultures in yogurts break down some lactose naturally – try different styles and brands. Small servings may keep them on your plate without symptoms.
- Experiment with fermented options like Kefir – again, the cultures that help create the flavor break down some lactose during fermentation.
Good to Know:
Whether the sensitivity developed over time or is a reaction to a recent health change, many people can restore their gut function by having small amounts of milk/dairy foods over time.
- Lactose sensitivity may be temporary, especially if it occurs suddenly after a bout with a stomach bug or after cancer treatment involving the Gi tract. The lactase enzyme is produced in cells that may get temporarily knocked out but are restored as the body recovers from illness or treatment.
- Enjoy milk/dairy with meals or snacks – together, they slow digestion down and allow enough time for the enzyme to break lactose down, reducing or eliminating symptoms. Cookies and milk, fruit and yogurt, and cheese on a sandwich are all ideas to explore.
- Lactose sensitivity is not a dairy allergy – your MD can help you sort out which one it is.
- Whether the sensitivity developed over time or is a reaction to a recent health change, many people can restore their gut function by having small amounts of milk/dairy foods over time.
Good Moooove – Take these tips to store and explore!
Learn more about the American Dairy Association here!
Check out these lactose-free recipes!
Chocolate-Raspberry Smoothie Bowl
Creamy Papaya Protein Shake
Cherry Milk Steamer
Mint Chocolate Chip Milk
Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk
Supper Bowl Recipes
We’ve heard a lot of talk recently about bowls. It got us thinking, sometimes supper in a bowl is just the comfort you need to unwind at the end of a long day. Check out some of our favorite recipes, bowl-style.
Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce, served over fragrant jasmine rice with fresh vegetables.
Hawaiian-inspired dish featuring fresh, sushi-grade tuna marinated in a soy sauce-based dressing with sesame oil, ginger, and green onions. It’s served over rice and topped with ingredients like avocado, seaweed, edamame, cucumber, and sesame seeds.
A light and flavorful dish featuring shrimp sautéed in a Thai-inspired sauce with ingredients like garlic, ginger, lime juice, and soy or fish sauce. It’s served over zucchini noodles (zoodles) and often garnished with peanuts, cilantro, and chili flakes for extra crunch and spice.
A tropical-inspired dish featuring shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, served over rice with toasted cashews for crunch.
A deconstructed take on the classic Vietnamese sandwich, featuring marinated chicken over rice or greens, topped with pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon), cucumbers, jalapeños, fresh herbs (cilantro, mint), and a drizzle of spicy mayo or fish sauce dressing. It balances savory, tangy, and fresh flavors.
Features spiced lamb meatballs served over creamy hummus with toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and fresh herbs. It’s often drizzled with tahini or yogurt sauce and paired with pita or rice for a hearty meal. The flavors combine Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, creating a balanced dish with savory, tangy, and fresh elements.
Combines lean turkey with rich, smoky mole sauce, served over rice or quinoa with sautéed bell peppers and onions. The dish is often topped with avocado, cilantro, and lime for a fresh contrast to the deep mole flavors. It’s a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with a bowl-style presentation for easy eating.
Featuring seasoned ground beef or a beef patty topped with sautéed mushrooms and melted Swiss cheese. It’s typically served over a bed of lettuce, cauliflower rice, or regular rice, with toppings like caramelized onions, tomatoes, pickles, and a creamy burger sauce.
Tender pork seasoned with bold, smoky harissa spice, served over a base like rice, quinoa, or greens. It’s often paired with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, or a cooling yogurt sauce to balance the heat. Toppings like fresh herbs, pomegranate seeds, or pickled onions can add extra layers of flavor.
Grilled salmon glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over rice with fresh vegetables like edamame, carrots, and cucumbers. It’s often topped with sesame seeds, green onions, or a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Craving takeout? Make this General Tso’s Cauliflower Bowl with cauliflower tots instead! It’s
✓ Ready in minutes
✓ Budget-friendly
✓ Absolutely delicious
If you’re craving bold flavors, melty cheese, and a little smoky goodness, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a cozy family dinner, or just looking for some seriously satisfying comfort food, these three recipes—Baked Queso Chicken, BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, and Loaded Nachos—are guaranteed to hit the spot. Each dish brings its own unique twist: juicy chicken smothered in creamy queso, tender BBQ chicken piled high on a sandwich, and crunchy nachos loaded with all the best toppings.
Baked Queso Chicken
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Loaded Nachos
Market 32 Boneless Chicken Breast Cutlets or Tenders |
|
Pics Queso | |
Onions | |
Jalapeno | |
Tomato | |
| Bens Ready Rice |
Market 32 Boneless Chicken Breast Cutlets or Tenders | |
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce | |
Ballpark Buns | |
Pics Baked Beans | |
Fresh Express Cole Slaw |
Market 32 Boneless Chicken Breast Cutlets or Tenders | |
Market 32 Fresh Tortilla Chips | |
Ortega Taco Seasoning Mix | |
Daisy Sour Cream | |
Pics Salsa | |
Cabot Brick Cheese | |
Avocado | |
Pepper | |
| Pics Black Beans |
Try These FUN SPINS On Classics!
Happy Heart Month!
Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND
Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
February is American Heart Month, and we would love to help you 🥰 your ❤️! Like the steady beat of our own hearts, steady routines and practices that naturally support overall health can go a long way toward keeping your one and only happy and healthy! Check out some of these smart moves!
- Know your family health history and get annual checkups. February is the perfect time to schedule your annual physical. Most insurance companies offer full coverage for that preventive visit. Create a personal plan with your healthcare provider that focuses on what you need to do to stay well.
- Check your health insurance for options like gym membership incentives, over-the-counter health products or healthy food shopping. Make sure you know what they are offering and take advantage of it!
- Eat Smart for Your Heart – three moves to make:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Best practices include enjoying more fresh, frozen and canned, no sodium added produce items. A quick way to put that into action is to double up servings of your favorite choices at each meal. More seafood, especially items that have some omega-3 fats like salmon or canned tuna should be on your plate twice per week.
- Eat more seafood. Research shows us that most people enjoy seafood but often reserve it for eating out or special occasions. We think you’re special at least twice each week! So does the American Heart Association and heart care supporters like registered dietitian-nutritionists, nurses, and professional trainers. Check out your PCM32 store – our savvy Seafood Teammates can show you some wonderful fresh seafood meals and options that are quick and delicious!
- Enjoy small servings of whole grains. Whole grains contain critical vitamins and nutrients for heart health. Research has shown skipping whole grains may negatively impact heart health and length of life! Whole wheat, oatmeal, quinoa – give them all a place on your plate 4 or 5 times per week!
- Keep moving! Whether you’re 8 or 80, keeping active is key to a happy heart. Walk whenever you can and find some fun activities you enjoy on a regular basis. Bonus – staying active helps all of your body systems stay well, particularly your blood pressure!
- Stress less. If you notice you are struggling with stress, check your health insurance for supportive resources or coverage for assistance like a therapist. We all have challenging times, the sooner you get some support, the better you will feel.