Earth Day and Every Day: Five Years of Progress with Reusable Bags
Mona Golub
VP of Communications and Public Affairs
As Earth Day approaches, we’re reminded that sustainability isn’t something we celebrate once a year—it’s something we carry with us, literally, on every grocery trip. This spring marks five years since New York State’s Bag Waste Reduction Act went into effect, phasing out single-use plastic bags and encouraging shoppers to shift toward more sustainable alternatives—especially heavy-duty reusable bags.
It was a big change, especially for Market 32 and Price Chopper and our customers. Like any shift in routine, it’s been a journey.
Many customers embraced reusable bags with enthusiasm, turning a simple gesture into something that’s made a major impact. Before the ban, New Yorkers used more than 23 billion plastic bags each year. Thanks to the millions of shoppers who’ve made reusables part of regular shopping trips, an immense volume of plastic has been kept out of landfills, waterways, and neighborhoods across the communities we serve, and the world at-large.
It’s a powerful reminder that progress comes from small decisions that make a big impact over time. Now, five years after the ban on plastic bags took effect, some still find themselves relying on paper bags when reusables get left behind or forgotten.
While paper may feel like a safe and convenient alternative, it still comes with real costs, both financially and, more importantly, to the environment. Paper bags require a substantial amount of energy and water to produce, and because they’re bulkier and heavier than plastic, require more trucks and fuel to transport them, which leads to more emissions. While they’re recyclable and biodegradable, most paper bags are only used once before being tossed in the garbage.
Last year alone, our stores provided 25 million paper bags. Even with a nominal fee at checkout, the cost of sourcing and stocking those bags continues to rise. Meanwhile, the savings potential for our customers is significant. If a shopper uses five paper bags per week, that adds up to about $13 a year. By contrast, a set of five reusable bags—available at our stores for just $0.69 to $0.99 each—totals less than $5 and can last for years.
We understand that paper bags remain an important option for some shoppers, and we’ll continue making them available at checkout. Providing a convenient, friendly experience is always our priority, especially when it comes to making sure customers can securely bring their groceries home. However, we also recognize that they are not a long-term solution and that reusable bags are currently the best option to support the long-term health of our communities and the environment.
That’s why all 129 of our Market 32 and Price Chopper locations are fully stocked with durable, affordable reusable bags, conveniently located at store entrances and checkout counters. These bags are designed to go the distance—sturdy enough to handle your haul, compact enough to keep close at hand.
At the five-year mark, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect—not just on how far we’ve come, but what’s still ahead. Reusable bags may seem like a small thing, but they can make a big impact.
To everyone who’s already made this part of their routine—we thank you. And to those looking to support the effort again, or for the first time, now’s the perfect time to (re)join us on this journey. Just look for the reusable bags at the front of your store or checkout to get started!
National Grilled Cheese Day
National Grilled Cheese Day is a mouthwatering tribute to one of the most beloved comfort foods of all time. Whether you like yours classic with melty American cheese on white bread, or all gourmet with sourdough, sharp cheddar, and a tomato-basil twist, today is the perfect excuse to indulge.
Oven Grilled Cheese with Apples
Apples bring a crisp, sweet contrast to the rich, melty cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Oven Grilled Cheese with Tuna
Creamy, savory tuna blends perfectly with the melted cheese, giving the sandwich a rich, satisfying flavor with a deliciously crispy crust.
Oven Grilled Cheese with Bacon
Amp up the flavor with a smoky, salty crunch that pairs perfectly with gooey, melted cheese. It adds just the right amount of indulgence, turning a simple sandwich into a treat.
Smashed Blackberry, Basil & Camembert Grilled Cheese
A delightful fusion of flavors, combining the sweetness of blackberries, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the creamy richness of Camembert cheese. This gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese is both simple to prepare and impressively flavorful.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese
Hearty and flavorful sandwich that combines tender pulled pork, crisp apple slaw, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled between slices of buttery Market 32 brioche bread.
Elevating Your Classic PB&J
Today, we celebrate a classic sandwich enjoyed by all age groups, the Peanut Butter & Jelly. Looking to make your next PB&J the best one yet? Check out these ideas below for elevating this already beloved combination.
Grill it: A grilled PB&J sandwich takes the classic peanut butter and jelly to the next level with a crispy, buttery exterior and warm, gooey filling. The heat enhances the flavors, making it a rich, comforting twist on a childhood favorite.
French Toast PB&J: A PB&J made with French toast turns a simple classic into a decadent treat. The warm, custardy bread pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, creating a rich and satisfying bite that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Replace the Jelly with Fruit: A PB&J with fresh fruit instead of jelly adds a natural sweetness and a juicy burst of flavor. Slices of strawberries, bananas, or blueberries complement the creamy peanut butter, creating a fresh and wholesome twist on the classic sandwich.
PB&J Burger: A PB&J on a burger is a bold fusion of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The creamy peanut butter melts into the juicy patty, while the jelly (or fresh fruit) adds a touch of sweetness, creating a surprisingly delicious combination that hits all the right notes.
Add Bacon: Adding bacon to a PB&J brings a crispy, smoky twist to the classic sandwich. The salty crunch of the bacon contrasts perfectly with the creamy peanut butter and sweet jelly, creating a rich and satisfying flavor combination.
Add Nuts or Breakfast Cereal: Adding nuts or breakfast cereal to a PB&J gives it an extra crunch and texture boost. Whether it’s crushed peanuts for a nutty kick or crispy cereal for a fun twist, the added crunch makes each bite even more satisfying.
Make it S’mores Style: A s’mores PB&J is a gooey, indulgent twist on the classic sandwich, combining peanut butter, jelly, chocolate, and marshmallows. The melty chocolate and toasted marshmallow blend perfectly with the nutty peanut butter, creating a rich, campfire-inspired treat.
Something On A Stick Day
If you’re looking for fun food holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Happy National Something on a Stick Day! Check out some of our favorite, stick-tastic recipes and try them for yourself. You can grab all your holiday essentials at your local store, including the sticks (skewers) themselves.
Chili Cheese Topped Corn Dogs: If we’re talking food on a stick, it’s imperative that we mention corn dogs. Classic stick food, perfect for the return of baseball season. Try out this chili cheese topped recipe.
Baked Kefta Zucchini Kabobs with Garlic Parsley Tahini Sauce: Another classic when it comes to eating food from a stick…kabobs! Grilling season is so close, we can taste it, but for now, this recipe works great in the oven.
Cashew Chicken Skewers with Orange Ginger Sauce: Cashew chicken on a stick, with a delicious orange ginger sauce for dipping. Don’t sleep on this tasty option for game day.
French Onion Burgers with Mushroom Swiss: Technically these burgers aren’t on a stick, but with a pickle or pepper skewered on top, they count!
Grilled Buffalo Tofu Dippers: These Grilled Buffalo Tofu Dippers are packed with flavor and easy to eat on a stick. The two most important requirements of this food holiday.
Popcorn Steak Bites with Buttermilk BBQ Dip: These Popcorn Steak Bites are a fun twist for any steak lover. Enjoy your steak, stick-style, with a satisfying buttermilk BBQ dip.
Turkey Avocado Pinwheels: And for you sandwich-lovers, these Turkey Avocado Pinwheels hit the spot every time. Try them for yourself!
10 Succulent Seafood Recipes
Whether it’s lobster, crab, shrimp, or anything else under the sea we love enjoying our favorites recipes. Check out these 10 succulent seafood dishes to try during Lent and beyond.
Classic Lobster Roll: Cooked lobster meat on a brioche hot dog bun, with the works. Can’t go wrong!
Crab Cake Sliders: These sliders are beautifully complimented by creamy Buffalo wing dipping sauce, a math made in seafood heaven.
Grilled Shrimp Po’ Boys: You’ll need 1 lb. of Market 32 16-20 count tail-off peeled and deveined shrimp for these Po’ Boys. Remoulade, tomato, lettuce, and pickle chips on a hoagie roll makes for one harmonious seafood sandwich.
Shrimp & Grits Stuffed Peppers: These seafood-style stuffed peppers are packed with flavor. Shrimp and grits are great our their own, but they are even better in a pepper.
Bouillabaisse: Bouillabaisse is a fish stew that originated from the city of Marseille in France. It’s a seafood lover’s dream as lobster, cod, clams, mussels, and scallops all come together for a gathering of great taste.
Crispy Honey Nut Baked Salmon with Almond-Fennel Salad: Honey nut flavor makes for a perfect topped for this baked Salmon dish. Almond-fennel salad finishes off a mouthwatering combination of flavor.
Grilled Lobster Tail Salad: In the mood for salad? Have it seafood-style. Grilled lobster tail brings the two worlds together.
Tequila-Lime Shrimp Skewers with Grilled Fruit Salsa: These succulent tequila-lime shrimp skewers pair perfectly with a nice grilled fruit salsa. A great recipe for warm weather!
Salmon Burgers with Avocado & Asian Slaw: Salmon burgers are an excellent alternative to beef or turkey burgers. Top them with this yummy avocado & Asian slaw and you’ll be in burger paradise.
Fried-Egg Topped Crab Cakes: Crab cakes are a top tier seafood dish. Elevate them with a fried-egg on top for more flavor.
If you’re looking for a timeless dessert that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, this classic cheesecake recipe is the perfect choice. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky-smooth filling, this homemade cheesecake rivals any bakery version—without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this foolproof recipe guarantees a decadent dessert every time. Plus, with endless topping options like fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream, you can customize it to suit any craving. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a cheesecake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 7 oz. graham cracker
- 2 cups sugar, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 32 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sour cream
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- toppings (if desired)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F. Grease a 10-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
- In a food processor, combine the graham crackers, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the melted butter. Pulse to combine until the texture is similar to wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker crumbs firmly into the prepared pan with the bottom of a glass, creating a dense even layer about ¼ inch thick.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, remaining 2 cups of sugar, and the salt. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until well-combined and fluffy.
- Add the heavy cream and beat to incorporate.
- Add the sour cream, flour, salt, and vanilla extract; beat to combine.
- Add the eggs, 1 at a time, and mix until fully combined. Do not to over-beat. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust.
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan tightly with foil and place the pan in a large baking dish. Fill the dish with 1 inch of boiling water.
- Gently transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Without opening the oven door, turn off the heat and let the cheesecake rest for 1 hour.
- Remove the springform pan from the baking dish and unwrap the foil. Run a small knife gently around the outside of the cheesecake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator; leave overnight.
- Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and release the springform pan.
- Enjoy as is, or top with cherry or blueberry pie filling, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, whipped cream or your favorite topping.
- Serves 8.
From My Mother’s Kitchen to the Capital Region: The Journey of Allie B’s Famous Mac & Cheese"
My earliest memories are of cooking; setting up a small table next to my mother in the kitchen at age 3, watching her every move, imitating how she dashed her spices and how she stirred her pot. If we were baking, she would add her ingredients to her bowl and then pass them to me so that I could add them to mine. At relatives’ houses I was allowed to cook steaks while still in kindergarten and by the time I was in junior high I would prepare food for my father and his friends as they watched the game: roasted duck and collard greens. My whole life growing up was spent selling food on the street and cooking every holiday.
In 2014, I opened Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen in Albany’s West Hill Neighborhood, which is now the Capital Region’s oldest operating soul food restaurant. It didn’t take long to become the Capital Region’s Queen of Southern Cuisine, with Food Network appearances, cooking classes and beloved dishes requested by countless organizations, dignitaries and politicians all the way up to the Governor’s office. Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen’s menu is authentic Southern soul food, one of America’s founding cuisines, and universally loved by all. And while everyone who enters the restaurant finds a dish that they love, their own personal favorite, a consistent theme runs common among all patrons: The Macaroni And Cheese is truly The GREATEST! When one first experiences it, a flood of memories fill their thoughts. One bite and they are taken back in time to their childhood, to a simpler time in life, when their excitement over their mother or grandmother preparing their favorite dish evokes The Greatest emotional reaction; and the purest sense of joy and satisfaction.
This same experience can now be felt at 26 local Market 32/Price Chopper stores as Allie B’s famous Macaroni and Cheese, Mac and Cheese so Good it Brings Us All Together, is now available in the Food Fare/Deli department. Every day of the week customers can purchase this delightful and savory product both hot and ready to eat, or cold to be taken home and enjoyed later. Macaroni and cheese is an American classic, first brought here by Thomas Jefferson and James Hemings, an enslaved African American, and also the first American Master of French Cuisine. Now this dish is beloved and memorialized by all families. But this particular macaroni and cheese, Allie B’s Mac And Cheese, belongs to us, the Capital Region – it is our signature dish that we will be known for. Come and experience The Greatest!
I’m excited to be visiting the local stores below to sample my mac and cheese: stop in and say hi!
PLACE & TIME
Date | Time | Store |
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 9am-1pm | Central Ave, Albany |
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 11am-2pm | Brunswick |
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Eastern Parkway, Schenectady |
Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Madison Ave, Albany |
Sunday, March 9, 2025 | 11am-2pm | Nott St, Niskayuna |
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Delaware Ave, Albany |
Thursday, March 13, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | East Greenbush |
Sunday, March 16, 2025 | 11am-2pm | South Colonie |
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Route 50, Saratoga |
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Market Bistro Latham |
Saturday, March 22, 2025 | 11am-2pm | North Greenbush |
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Watervliet |
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Clifton Park Plaza |
Sunday, March 30, 2025 | 11am-2pm | Glen St, Queensbury |
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Altamont Ave, Rotterdam |
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Hudson Valley Plaza, Troy |
Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 11am-2pm | Clifton Shoppers World |
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Malta |
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Mohawk Commons, Niskayuna |
Sunday, April 13, 2025 | 11am-2pm | Glenmont |
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 4pm-6pm | Bethlehem |
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Department
How can one resist a delicious, crunchy bowl of cereal with freshly chilled milk? Cereal is so wonderful that it has been given its own day – March 7th! Although, everyday could be National Cereal Day in the United States, considering we are listed fourth in the world with cereal consumption! An average of 160 bowls of cereal are consumed per person in the United States each year, and 50% of Americans will start their day off with a bowl of cereal. I guess it is safe to say that cereal is a household favorite!
Here at Price Chopper and Market 32, we love cereal just as much as our customers! Did you know that we have a whole line of PICS brand cereals? That is right – we have a large variety of delicious PICS cereal as well as PICS milk and dairy-free milk that you must try! Click on the green button at the end of this blog to view all of our PICS cereal.
Cereal can be used for so much more than just your morning breakfast. Cereal has become a very popular snack on its own or mixed in with yogurt. Additionally, there are many recipes that call for cereal as an ingredient. Check out the recipes below that are not only fun and easy to make, but delicious, too!
Crispy Honey Baked Salmon with Almond-Fennel Salad: PICS Honey Nut Toasted Oats cereal as crumbs? Bet you have never thought of that before! This salmon recipe is irresistibly mouth-watering and flavorful, with a little bit of crunch of course!
Lucky Charms Frozen Yogurt Pie: Creamy vanilla frozen yogurt with cereal as the base. Now that is a fun dessert idea! The best part is, this recipe only calls for five items!
Savory Rosemary Snack Mix: This is a must for your next gathering! Be cautious though, this recipe is so good that you may not have any leftovers for yourself!
The Many Ways of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is best known for its role as a sweet finishing touch to pancakes and waffles. However, its abilities go far beyond the breakfast table. Maple farmers use special drills to tap into the trees to obtain the sap that’s boiled down to produce the pure maple syrup we know and love. Here in the Northeast, maple sugaring season occurs as winter ends and spring begins. We’re proud to partner with a variety of local maple farmers and producers in our region to bring you the season’s best. You can add pure maple syrup from our local partners to your culinary tool belt and use them in breakfast recipes, desserts and beyond!
Swap Syrup for Sugar
Give your favorite treats complex, caramelly tastes by using maple syrup in place of sugar in baked goods such as cookies, cakes, breads and muffins. Replace 1 cup of granulated sugar with ¾ cup of maple syrup. For every cup of liquid sweetener, reduce added liquids in the recipe by about 3 to 4 tablespoons. Add about 1 tablespoon of flour for every ¼ cup of maple syrup if there’s no liquid called for in the recipe. When swapping these ingredients, ensure your syrup is at room temperature, as cold syrup can cause other ingredients to clump.
Savory Syrup
Maple syrup adds complexity and subtle sweetness to numerous savory dishes. Use it to flavor proteins like chicken, pork, or salmon, or pair it with bacon for a mouthwatering, sweet and smoky treat. Try whisking it into salad dressings to give your greens hints of caramelization or bring out the natural sweetness of veggies by drizzling maple syrup over tomatoes, squash, potatoes and mushrooms.
Drinks & Desserts
Maple syrup’s versatility extends from the plate to the glass! Add a dash to your morning coffee or tea, or use it to spice up a classic old fashioned or whiskey sour cocktail. It also makes a drool-worthy addition to these Maple Caramel Bacon Brownies, used as a sweetener for whipped cream or drizzled over scones, ice cream, pies and more.
Looking for more ways to use maple syrup in your everyday cooking? Click here! From all of us at Price Chopper & Market 32, happy maple sugaring season!
Food Connects Us!
The 51st National Nutrition Month® Celebration!
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN, FAND
March is National Nutrition Month®! This year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” This education and awareness campaign is led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the largest professional nutrition association in the world. Launched 51 years ago, it continues to raise awareness about all of the benefits eating well brings to our health and our lives.
So much about food connects us – to family, to community, to culture and spirituality. Food nourishes relationships and fuels exploration. Family recipes connect generations, affirming and honoring shared memories and history. Food transports us around the world via culinary journeys where we discover new foods and flavors, plate by plate, without leaving our own table. Food delivers joy and caring, through celebrations and challenges.
The information used to create these connections is empowered by the education and work of Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists (RDNs) and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTRs). We are trained from molecules to menu, from farm to physiology, and required to continue that training throughout our careers, to ensure we can deliver authentic, safe, wholesome, nutritious, appetizing food to individuals and populations. Our work facilitates food and nutrition-focused prevention, healthful growth and lifelong vitality, and treatment of injury and illness. RDNs continually drive food and nutrition research and communications that are evidence-based and cutting edge. It is a dynamic profession, and I am grateful and proud to be part of it in this role for our company and the communities we serve.
Food connects us – our Market 32 and Price Chopper teams hope you and your family can create all the joy, nourishment, health and healing you need with the foods we offer in our stores. The warmth of a bowl of soup, the excitement of a special cake, the perfect ingredient for your new recipe, the treat in the lunchbox that gives a little moment of love to your child, and the crunch of an apple that energizes you and supports local farmers – food connects us all.
Happy National Nutrition Month®!