Schenectady, N.Y. December 12, 2025 – Through the Market 32 Cares initiative, Market 32 and Price Chopper, alongside the Albany City School District, today unveiled an expanded and enhanced food pantry at Albany High School. The newly named Falcon Market is now an inviting and thoughtfully designed space that will provide thousands of students with reliable access to fresh, no-cost food throughout the academic year. A ceremonial ribbon cutting marked the investment, valued at more than $15,000, in the well-being of one of the Capital Region’s largest school communities.

The transformed pantry—measuring approximately 1,135 sq ft—features extensive infrastructure donated and installed by Market 32 and Price Chopper, including two industrial-grade refrigeration units and built-in shelving. All related installation work was completed by the company’s design and construction teams, who volunteered their time and expertise. Corporate and store teammates also assisted in transporting items from the school’s original pantry and stocking the new space with a full pallet of shelf-stable products, also donated by the company. 

There is also a designated “checkout counter”—used to help organize selections and support simple inventory tracking—which mirrors a familiar point-of-sale retail experience rooted in dignity and choice.

“This elevated pantry reflects what Market 32 and Price Chopper stand for: nourishing the neighborhoods we serve and supporting those who support one another,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to help Albany High School create a welcoming, retail-like environment where students can find the fresh food they need with comfort and respect—especially during the holiday season, when many families may be feeling added financial pressure. Our teammates were proud to roll up their sleeves to bring this vision to life.”

Co-located with Albany High School’s Falcon Boutique, which provides clothing, shoes, and household items free of charge, the pantry now forms part of an expanded resource hub designed to meet essential needs with dignity and ease. The room’s open layout, clean shelving, and increased capacity create a space that is organized and accessible for all.

“This is yet another shining example of the tremendous dedication our community partners offer to help us support our students and families,” said City School District of Albany Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter. “We are grateful to Market 32 and Price Chopper for this incredibly generous donation, which will help Albany High expand its efforts to address food insecurity and the financial stress many of our families face, especially at this time of year.” 

With added refrigeration and storage capacity, the expanded pantry will offer a broader, more consistent selection of fresh foods, pantry staples, and ready-to-use essentials that support the daily nutrition needs of students. The improvements will enable Albany High School to serve more individuals, more often, in a space intentionally designed to convey care and compassion.

“These amazing donations from Market 32 and Price Chopper will significantly increase our school’s ongoing efforts to fill in the gaps for students and families in need,” said Albany High School Principal Jodi Commerford. “We are so fortunate to have this additional community support for our Falcon Market, which will allow us to do even more to address food insecurity, one of the most challenging obstacles any family can face.”

“When students are too hungry to concentrate, they cannot learn and meet their potential,” added Mari Shopsis, executive director of the Albany Fund for Education, also a community partner in supporting Albany High School’s food pantry. “The Albany Fund for Education has been working for more than 10 years to combat food insecurity in our schools and is very grateful to Market 32 and Price Chopper for joining us in this important work by completing this incredible renovation of the Albany High School pantry!”

The partnership builds on Market 32 and Price Chopper’s longstanding commitment to nourishing local communities and fighting food insecurity across its six-state footprint. Market 32 Cares, the company’s expanded community giving platform, continues its commitment to nourish neighborhoods by supporting health, well-being, and educational opportunities in the communities it calls home.

“We know that our students learn their best and achieve their full potential when they are prepared, this includes a healthy and nutritious diet,” said Veronica Ingram-Henry, vice president, programs and strategic initiatives at Regional Food Bank. “This expanded food pantry at the Albany High School is a great example of public, private, and non-profit collaboration, which allows us to truly have a positive impact in our community. We are proud to stand with Market 32 & Price Chopper and the Albany School District to support our neighbors in need.”