Market 32 and Price Chopper, Vermont Principals’ Association, Invite Local High Schools to Compete in “Food Drive State Championship”
Schenectady, N.Y., Sept. 29, 2025 – In recognition of Hunger Action Month in September, Market 32 and Price Chopper and the Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) are officially launching a first-ever Food Drive State Championship to rally local high school communities in the fight against hunger. Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, high schools across Vermont will compete to see who can collect the most nonperishable food donations, all of which will be donated to nearby food banks and pantries. Winning schools in each of four divisions (based on basketball alignment) and one overall winner will be crowned as “State Champions.”
Each divisional champion will receive a $500 Market 32 and Price Chopper gift card and an exclusive “Food Drive State Champs” banner to hang in their school. The community with the highest overall donation total will also receive an additional $1,000 in Market 32 and Price Chopper gift cards.
“We know the power of teamwork and school spirit, and this challenge gives students, families, and staff an exciting way to make a lasting impact in their communities,” said Amanda Terencio, Market 32 and Price Chopper zone director for Vermont stores. “Every can, every box, and every contribution will help our neighbors in need put food on the table.”
The following nonperishable items will count toward each school’s donation total:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned soups and meals
- Cereal, oatmeal, and granola bars
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- 100% juice
- Canned protein, including tuna and chicken
- Beans
- Pasta
- Macaroni and cheese
Donations of low-sodium, low-sugar, or whole-grain versions of these products are encouraged. To spice up the competition, monthly standings and updates will be revealed on the VPA’s social media channels and website, allowing communities to follow along throughout the school year.
“The Vermont Principals’ Association is excited to partner with Market 32 and Price Chopper in launching the Food Drive State Championship,” said Jay Nichols, VPA’s Senior Executive Director. In a time with increasing food insecurity for many Vermonters, the VPA sees this as a fun and meaningful project that schools can engage in to better serve those in need in our communities.”
For more information about the Food Drive State Championship and how to get your school involved, visit vpaonline.org and sign up your school by clicking here.
*Note: Glass containers cannot be accepted as part of donations.
Meat & Company Named ‘Best Taco in the 518’ at Connect Center’s Fifth Annual Tacos for Life
Sponsored by Market 32 and Price Chopper, Competition Featuring Top Capital Region Chefs and Restaurants Supports Youth Enrichment Programs
On Friday, Market 32 and Price Chopper proudly partnered with the Connect Center for Youth (CCFY) as the title sponsor for the fifth annual Tacos for Life fundraiser. This event, which began as a small celebration for students in CCFY’s Connect Kitchen Summer Taco Camp, has grown into one of the Capital Region’s most anticipated culinary competitions and summer block parties.
At this year’s Tacos for Life, Meat & Company earned the title of the “Best Taco in the 518” for their K-pop Crispy Chicken Taco after facing stiff competition from several prominent and aspiring local restaurants and chefs. Runner-up was The Daisy Bar and Kitchen, and Tipsy Moose won People’s Choice.
Guests were able to purchase an all-you-can-eat taco tasting tour for $30, with all proceeds from Tacos for Life benefitting the Connect Center, which provides a safe, supportive setting for local youth and their families in the Greater Capital Region. Its programs offer a wide range of youth-focused initiatives and activities, including after-school enrichment, nutrition security, workforce development, and S.T.E.A.M.-based instruction for underserved children and families.
“Supporting the Connect Center and its mission aligns perfectly with our commitment to nourishing neighborhoods—both in and out of our stores,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “Tacos for Life is an exciting, fun, and delicious way to support vital youth programming, and we’re proud to play a role in connecting the community with great food for a meaningful purpose.”
Hundreds of attendees came out to support youth development programs and enjoy unlimited taco samplings from some of the area’s very best culinary creators. This year’s participants included:
CCFY Taco Camp
“Tacos for Life is more than just a fun community event—it’s an opportunity to bring people together in support of our youth,” said Ben Williams, executive director of the Connect Center for Youth. “Every taco our guests enjoy helps fund programs that empower, educate, and provide safe spaces for young people in Cohoes and beyond. We’re thrilled to see our community come together for such an important cause.”
A key part of the event was the inclusion of 20 students from the Connect Kitchen Taco Camp, who each spend a week participating in hands-on culinary learning. With support from Market 32 and Price Chopper, including the donation of PICS brand products and key ingredients, the students created and prepared their own unique taco recipe to serve to attendees at the event. Additionally, the company annually provides in-kind support via marketing, advertising, and public relations activities to bring greater awareness to this community-wide celebration, which provides life-changing opportunities to dozens of young people.
To learn more about the Connect Center for Youth, visit www.connectcenterforyouth.org.