Back to Tools for Schools
Summer is coming to an end and local schools are back in session. That means our Tools for Schools program is kicking it into high gear. For over 20 years the program has donated more than $14 million in educational equipment to local schools, and we are excited to add $400,000 to the total this year. We understand how vital it is for our 1,600+ participating schools to have the proper resources to help their students strive to be successful.
Over the years, schools have used their share of the total funds to receive a range of items. From learning essentials like a range of art and creativity supplies to gym equipment like a new activity parachute.
This year we are hoping for even greater results! Sign up now for Tools for Schools to support your school and help it earn its share of $400,000 in educational equipment when you shop thru Dec. 31st! Earn 2x stars when you create an online AdvantEdge Rewards account.s
To sign up or for more information visit our website.
Here’s to another school year!
Fun with Pulled Pork!
Did someone say pulled pork? Yes, please! Always mouthwateringly delicious, pulled pork is a go-to when in need of a good barbecue dish. We love it straight out of the crockpot, but its great to mix it up as well. Sandwiches, sliders, grilled cheese, you name it we have a recipe for it. Check out our favorite, fun pulled pork plates!
Chipotle Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Featuring PICS Boneless Pork Loin, these Chipotle Pulled Pork Sandwiches hit the spot! Add some avocado, pico de gallo, and/or cilantro for the ultimate flavor experience.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders: Break out the Hawaiian rolls for these tasty Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sliders. Pork, pineapple, and honey-flavored barbecue sauce come together in perfect harmony.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider-Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese: With fall coming up and the weather cooling down, it’s time to implement this Slow Cooker Apple Cider-Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese into your at-home menu.
Instant Pot® IPA-Braised Pulled Pork Tostadas: These tasty tostadas will have you coming back for more! Top with avocado, green cabbage, queso fresco, corn, and radish for the best taste.
Carolina-Style Slow Cooker Pulled Pork: Take your tastebuds on a trip down south with this classic Carolina Pulled Pork recipe.
Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Pulled Pork Melts: Sticking with the slow cooker for these Maple Dijon Pulled Pork Melts. Try these irresistible sandwiches on a baguette and fall in love with flavor.
Asian Pulled Pork Sliders: Add an Asian Chopped Salad Kit and some soy sauce to your pork for these awesome Asian-Style Pulled Pork Sliders. This recipe throws in a nice twist to a classic dish.
Wow, now we’re hungry! If you’re in the mood for pulled pork try out one of these recipes for yourself. Visit your local Price Chopper & Market 32 or shop with us online for all your pulled pork needs.
Big Catch Event
We’re bringing all your seafood favorites together along with savings! This week, save on Shrimp, Salmon, Lobster, Crab, Scallops and more! If you’ve been craving a taste of the ocean, this is your week. If you’re in need of some inspiration check out some of our seafood favorites!
Grilled Scallops with Lemon Herb Salsa: If you ask us, good scallops never need additional flavor enhancers, but this Lemon Herb Salsa elevates this recipe to the top of our seafood favorites.
Classic Lobster Roll: There’s nothing quite like a lobster roll. On a lightly toasted bun, with a mix of fresh toppings. It’s a party in your mouth.
Grilled Garlic-Herb Salmon with Cannellini Bean & Chèvre Purée: Salmon with goat cheese? Delicious! The purée combined with salmon and peppers makes for a refreshing meal.
Harissa Cedar Plank Salmon with Herb Yogurt Sauce: Sticking with salmon, this playful recipe will take your tastebuds on the ultimate adventure. Bold harissa flavor, tamed by yummy herb yogurt sauce, all makes for the perfect compliment to your salmon.
Shrimp Scampi Over Rice: Shrimp is a major player in the seafood game. This easy to prepare Shrimp Scampi is complimented beautifully by tasty rice. A dish guaranteed to conquer your seafood cravings.
Spicy Baked Shrimp Banh Mi: Banh Mi is always a fun meal, full of bold flavors that create a real adventure of taste. Add some spice and some shrimp and you can’t lose!
Salmon Burgers with Avocado and Asian Slaw: Burgers are always a big hit, even when we’re talking seafood. These salmon burgers will rock your cookout world! Toss on some avocado and Asian slaw, you’re backyard may never be the same.
Shop Seafood Favorites!
New Items: FAGE Total Blended Vanilla Yogurt
NEW FAGE® Total Blended Vanilla Greek yogurt is here! Classic, smooth vanilla blended with FAGE Total’s nonfat Greek yogurt. Taste the rich, creamy perfection of beautifully balanced Greek yogurt.
Available at Price Chopper in 5.3oz size, FAGE Total Blended Vanilla yogurt contains 100% natural ingredients and is Non-GMO Project Verified. Kissed with vanilla, blended to velvety goodness, and packed with protein – enjoy it by the spoonful, or in a parfait with fresh fruit and granola. Try this delicious Strawberry Vanilla Parfait recipe from FAGE.
New Items: FAGE Sour Cream
Discover FAGE Sour Cream. Reawaken old favorites and elevate everyday eats into meals you love. Sour cream so rich, so creamy, and so good, made with all-natural ingredients and Non-GMO Project Verified. Daringly simple. Amazingly delicious.
FAGE Sour Cream is available at Price Chopper in 16oz size. Enjoy with these recipes from FAGE:
Spinach Sour Cream Artichoke Dip in Bread Bowl
Fried Sweet Potato Chips with Sour Cream Chive Dip
To learn more about FAGE’s products, please visit:
- https://usa.fage/
- https://www.facebook.com/FAGE
- https://www.instagram.com/fage/
- https://www.pinterest.com/fageusa/_created/
- https://www.youtube.com/user/FAGEUSA
KCC Italian Chicken Kabobs and Zucchini Fries
by Jodie Fitz
Italian Chicken Kabobs
4 lbs. boneless chicken breast
6 oz. PICS tomato paste
¼ cup PICS balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons PICS olive oil
1 tablespoon PICS Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon PICS onion powder
½ teaspoon PICS sea salt
½ teaspoon PICS garlic powder
Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 20 minutes before threading chicken and cooking.
Stir together the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, sea salt and garlic powder.
Cut the chicken into 1 ½ inch chunks and add to the marinade, making sure it’s well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Carefully thread chicken pieces onto the skewers and place on a broiler pan or baking sheet.
Broil on medium to high until fully cooked, 15-20 minutes, depending on size of the chicken pieces. Rotate half way through.
Time Saving Tip: Toss the chicken and marinade together in a freezer bag or other airtight container, making sure it’s completely coated, and freeze. You can pull the marinated chicken from the freezer to defrost and marinate for a quick meal solution.
Clean Up: Line your pan with foil before adding the chicken kabobs, for easy clean up.
Cooking with Kids: Every recipe is filled with life skills that encourage children’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe:
- Following directions
- Measuring ingredients
- Cutting and knife safety
- Stirring
- Skewering
- Marinating
- Broiling and oven safety
Zucchini Fries
2 small to medium zucchini
1 cup PICS whole wheat seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup PICS parmesan cheese, finely grated
1 ½ teaspoons PICS onion powder
1 teaspoon PICS paprika
¾ teaspoon PICS garlic powder
½ teaspoon PICS sea salt
¼ teaspoon PICS black pepper
2 PICS eggs
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Remove ends of zucchini. Cut in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again, creating four quarters. Cut each quarter into thin s to create zucchini fries.
In a bowl, stir together the seasoned bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Whisk eggs.
Dredge zucchini fries in the eggs and then in the seasoned bread crumbs, until fully covered.
Place fries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Heating leftovers: Heat leftover zucchini fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400 degrees, until crispy and heated all the way through, 10-15 minutes.
Cooking with Kids: Every recipe is filled with life skills that encourage children’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe:
- Following directions
- Measuring ingredients
- Cutting and knife safety
- Whisking
- Stirring
- Dredging
- Baking and oven safety
Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot Every Year
by Angelique Harris
With COVID-19 still maintaining its hold on the world’s health systems, it is important to not disregard the seasonal influenza virus. With flu season rapidly approaching there are many reasons why it is more vital than ever to get vaccinated. Not only will your vaccination contribute to herd immunity protecting those that are unable to get vaccinated, but it also helps reduce flu-related hospitalizations, allowing health care workers to continue to focus on treating patients with COVID-19 and conserving medical resources.
Influenza is very commonly overlooked, and many are unaware of the potential seriousness that it holds as it can be deadly. Approximately, 35.5 million Americans contracted the flu during the 2018-2019 flu season and from those 34,200 individuals died from the illness.1 During the 2019-2020, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza cases, 105,000 associated hospitalizations and 6,300 flu-related deaths. A study conducted in 2014, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases reported that the flu vaccine prevented pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission by 74% from 2010-2012.2
How do flu vaccines work? The influenza virus infects our body by attacking our own cells and modifying the DNA within our cells to create more virus. The flu vaccine is formulated every year in time for flu season. They are made up from inactivated strains of the influenza virus.2 Once vaccinated, the immune system recognizes the foreign invader and quickly starts up the immune response to create antibodies which are cells within our body that can target the virus and extinguish it without affecting our own cells. Since the pathogen has been modified or is already dead, the immune system is able to create antibodies that the body will then use if exposed to a live virus. Therefore, you cannot get the flu from receiving the flu vaccine since it does not have the ability to infect the cells. One important thing to note is that the antibodies generally take a week or more to develop to achieve the full protection offered from the vaccine.3
Why do I need a new vaccine every year? The influenza virus is a master of disguise. Every year it changes its appearance to one that our bodies are not familiar with. With this change in appearance, if you had not gotten vaccinated and you were exposed to the virus, the body would then have to fight harder to prevent the spread of the virus as well as make the antibodies to fight off the infection. During this time, the body has other methods to prevent the spread of infection such as increasing internal body temperature (fever) pulling protein from the body’s muscles (muscle aches), along with washing the germs from the nasal and respiratory system (runny nose, coughing).4
Getting vaccinated can do more than protect yourself from the flu. Herd immunity is what occurs when a vast majority of the population is vaccinated thus making it difficult for the virus to spread. This type of immunity is beneficial to young infants and immunocompromised individuals to have some form of protection.5 People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and asthma are at high risk for serious complications leading to possible life-threatening pneumonia.
Getting the flu vaccine is a small act that can have a big impact on protecting those around you and the community.
Sources
- What are the benefits of flu vaccination? [Internet]. Center for Disease Control, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. 2021 8 June. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm
- How the Immune System Protects You From Infection [Internet]. Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.pfizer.com/news/hot-topics/how_the_immune_system_protects_you_from_infection
- Haelle, Tara. Why You Need the Flu Shot Every Year. [Internet]. The New York Times. 2017 Dec 1. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/12/smarter-living/why-you-need-the-flu-shot-every-year.html
- How Your Body Fights Off Cold and Flu [Internet]. Vicks. Proctor & Gamble. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.vicks.com.au/en-au/science-of-healing/understanding-types-of-illness/how-your-body-fights-off-cold-and-flu
- Franco, Cheryl. Getting the Flu (Influenza) Vaccine: Why It’s Important [Internet]. Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. [cited 2021 Aug 10]. Available from: https://www.chla.org/blog/rn-remedies/getting-the-flu-influenza-vaccine-why-it-s-important
How the Flu Vaccine Can Help with Severe Symptoms of COVID-19
by Angelique Harris
With the pandemic still trekking on with the new circulating Delta variant, it is more important than ever the ensure you and your family’s safety. Recent studies have found promise that the flu vaccine may provide protection against severe symptoms of COVID-19. Both viruses have in the past lead to a multitude of hospitalization requirements for American’s and both have the potential to be fatal.
The European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Disease analyzed patient data, noting the correlation of a reduced risk of stroke, sepsis, and deep vein thrombosis in COVID-infected patients who had received their flu vaccine. According to the study, the non-vaccinated individuals had a higher risk of 20% to be more likely to be admitted into the ICU. They also had a 45% higher chance of developing sepsis and were 58% more likely to suffer from a stroke.1 Additionally, patient’s vaccinated against the flu had a 25% lower chance of testing positive for COVID-19.2
The mechanism behind this protection provided from the flu vaccine is uncertain. Some researchers believe that it boosts the body’s natural immune system. It is also noted that some vaccines produce an adaptive immune response that can be activated in the presence of another foreign body, an example being how some tuberculosis vaccines has some efficacy against yellow fever and malaria.2
Children under the age of 13 may also be able to receive some protection against COVID-19 with the seasonal flu vaccine. The University of Missouri School of Medicine has found data to support children that received the flu shot are less likely to experience symptoms from COVID. Researchers reviewed more than 900 children in 2020. Professor, Anjali Patwardhan MD explains the concept of viral interference to which causes the cells within our body to become resistant to a second infection after first experiencing another. She believes this to be the correlated mechanism for the increased protection. Results from the study show that the children previously vaccinated for the flu and tested positive for COVID-19, were less likely to experience symptomatic disease. Dr. Patwardhan notes that research still needs to be conducted and its importance as children play a role influencing viral transmission.3
While the flu vaccine is not a replacement for the vaccines approved for COVID-19, it may serve importance in areas where COVID vaccination rates are struggling, or other countries not expected to receive shipments of the vaccine until 2023. These statistics may also provide some comfort to those hesitant to receive the COVID vaccines.1 With both viruses sharing similar seasonal outbreaks, it is important to ensure the highest protection.
Sources:
- Antrim, Aislinn. Study Finds Flu Shots Protect Against Some Severe COVID-19 Symptoms [Internet]. Pharmacy Times; 2021 July 15. [Cited 08/12/2021]. Available from: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/study-finds-flu-shots-protect-against-some-severe-covid-19-symptoms
- Jeremias, Skylar. Flu Vaccine May Protect Against COVID-19 Infection [Internet]. AMJC; 2021 Feb 24. [Cited 08/12/2021]. Available from: https://www.ajmc.com/view/flu-vaccine-may-protect-against-covid-19-infection
- Study Shows Flu Vaccine Lessens COVID-19 Symptoms in Children [Internet]. University of Missouri School of Medicine; 2021 Feb 4. [cited 08/12/2021]. Available from: https://medicine.missouri.edu/news/study-shows-flu-vaccine-lessens-covid-19-symptoms-children
Why Do Older Adults Need A Different Flu Shot?
by Angelique Harris
It is no secret that our bodies go through a handful of changes as we age. One of things that many people don’t think about is what happens to the immune system. Older adults tend to have a weaker immune system and are therefore at higher risk for infection. With flu season coming around the corner it is important that we make sure everyone gets the flu shot best suited for them. For adults older than the age of 65 it is recommended to get the high-dose flu vaccine. The high dose vaccine contains higher amount of viral protein intended to result in a stronger immune response than the regular flu vaccine.1
There are many factors that affect the level of risk an individual has for developing a serious infection from the influenza virus. One important factor to consider is age. For adults 65 years and older, there is a high risk of developing complications from the influenza virus sometimes requiring hospitalization. Studies produced by the Center of Disease Control, estimate that this age group results in 70% to 85% of flu-related deaths and 50% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations each year.2 When provided the regular flu vaccine over the senior one, studies found that older adults had 50% to 75% fewer antibodies than the younger population.3
A new flu vaccine is produced each year by estimating certain viral strain to determine which combination is likely to provide the greatest protection. Since this is an estimation, the efficacy rates each year are variable, however, there are multiple studies that have found that the flu vaccine is effective in preventing doctor visits and hospitalizations due to complications from the flu. When compared, patients 65 years and older, the recommended high dose vaccine produced a stronger immune response than the standard trivalent used in the younger population and resulted a 24% higher efficacy rate. A study in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal, found that the Fluzone high dose also corresponded to a lower risk of hospital admissions.3
Some individuals do experience mild side effects. These side effects include redness, soreness, swelling along with fever, headache, and fatigue. These side effects may last for a few days and do not compare in severity to the common side effects of the actual flu. While the vaccine does provide some protection, like all vaccines it is not 100%. Other methods to reduce the spread of influenza include frequent handwashing, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and staying home when you feel sick.4
While the efficacy of the flu vaccine varies each year, it is still important to get vaccinated. For the older population, the vaccine may be the difference between life or death. Influenza can lead to further complications such as pneumonia as well as worsen pre-existing lung and heart conditions.5 These worsening symptoms can require professional treatment and support requiring doctor visits as well as hospitalizations. Although it may not prevent you entirely from getting the flu, it will likely ensure the symptoms to be far less severe. Not only can getting vaccinated help protect yourself but also help protect others around you unable to receive vaccinations.
Sources:
- Flu & People 65 Years and Older. [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2021 May 6 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm
- Gillespie, Claire. What is the High-Dose Flu Vaccine, and Who Can Get It? Here’s What Infectious Disease Experts Say[Internet]. Health.com; 2021 Sept 4 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.health.com/condition/flu/high-dose-flu-vaccine
- Tosh, Pritish K M.D. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2021 April 23 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/expert-answers/fluzone/faq-20058032
- Why Seniors Should Get the Inactivated Influenza (Flu) Vaccine [Internet]. Health Link British Columbia. 2021 August [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/inactivated-flu-vaccine-seniors
- Why seniors need extra flu protection [Internet]. UCI Health. The Regents o the University of California; 2020 Jan 7 [cited Aug 11, 2021]. Available from: https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2020/01/senior-flu-shot
Wonderful Waffles
Today is National Waffle Day and we’re excited to break out our best waffle recipes! This classic food is versatile and can be used creatively enough to expand well beyond the boundaries of breakfast. So, although we love our breakfast waffles, we dig some dessert and lunch/dinner recipes as well. Check out some of our favorites, but be warned, you might find yourself waffling over which to make first!
Breakfast Waffle Tacos: Breakfast Waffle Tacos are packed with cheesy scrambled eggs and topped with sausage, guac, salsa, grated cheese, cilantro, jalapeño pesto, and pickled red onions. An epic flavor adventure.
Ham and Cheese Waffles with an Egg: Crack an egg into your waffle iron for perfectly cooked, in-tact sunny-side up eggs. Add some Gruyere and ham for a simple, but delicious breakfast.
Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles: Chicken and waffles are a classic dish. One of the best combinations in the food game. Take advantage of your air fryer for easy, crispy Chicken and Waffles, you can’t go wrong.
Waffled Biscuits and Gravy: Have you ever tired waffling a biscuit? You should! With perfect nooks and crevices for sausage gravy to pool into, you’ll have a more flavorful experience than ever before.
Margherita Pizza Waffles: Easy, cheesy Margherita Pizza Waffles are an excellent way to throw a twist into pizza night.
Hatch Chile & Cheese Cornbread Waffles: Give your waffles a kick with these Hatch Chile & Cheese Cornbread Waffles. Delicious!
Falafel Waffles: Falafels? Waffles? Toss some Mediterranean Salad on your waffles for a flavor experience like never before.
Cinnamon Waffles with Apple Pecan Topping: We love these Cinnamon Waffles with Apple Pecan Topping, especially during the upcoming Fall season. They make for a great dessert!
Waffles and Caramelized Bananas: Caramelized banana topped waffles with a bit of whip cream and plenty of syrup. Yum!
Chocolate Waffles: Chocolate waffles are a wonderful dessert option. Rich, chocolaty, and delicious whip these up for a decadent after dinner treat.
Sweet Potato Waffles with Marshmallows: Try sweet potato waffles topped with mini marshmallows for a yummy, cozy flavor combination. Top with maple syrup to finish it off.
Break out the waffle iron and celebrate National Waffle Day the right way. We are going to get cooking a few of these awesome recipes, and we hope you do too! For all your waffling needs visit your local Price Chopper & Market 32 or shop with us online!
KCC Light Mexican Street Corn
by Jodie Fitz
3 ears fresh sweet corn
1/2 lime
2 tablespoons PICS canola oil
1 teaspoon PICS onion powder
1/2 teaspoon PICS sea salt
1/4 teaspoon PICS garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon PICS chili powder
4 oz. Cotija cheese
Fresh Cilantro
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Remove any loose pieces from the husk and place the corn, in the remaining husk, directly in the oven on the rack.
Bake the corn for 40 minutes.
While the corn is cooking, squeeze the juice from the lime into a bowl. Add the canola oil, onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder and chili powder and stir together.
Finely shred the Cotija cheese and set aside.
Finely chop the cilantro using herb scissors or a knife and cutting board.
Once the corn has finished cooking, remove from the oven with an oven mitt and let cool until warm. Peel the husk back.
Baste all sides of the corn with the spiced lime mixture. Sprinkle one side with cheese and cilantro.
Cotija cheese: You can find Cotija cheese in the specialty cheese section near the deli at your local Price Chopper/Market 32.
Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be found in the produce area, typically near the bell peppers at your local Price Chopper/Market 32.
Traditional Mexican Street Corn: Traditional Mexican street corn typically involves corn buttered and rolled in a spiced sour cream, and sometimes mayonnaise mixture, and topped with Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
Little fingers: Remember young children can help cut softer items like the cilantro with a plastic knife.
Cooking with Kids: Every recipe is filled with life skills that encourage a child’s confidence in the kitchen. Here are a few to focus on when making this recipe:
- Cooking corn
- Baking and oven safety
- Extracting juice
- Chopping and knife safety
- Stirring
- Basting
- Shredding and grater safety
- Measuring ingredients
- Following directions