As autumn paints the landscape with brilliant reds, oranges and golds, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a leaf-peeping adventure paired with a beautiful fall charcuterie board featuring California Table Grapes as the star. These sweet, juicy gems not only provide the perfect contrast to rich autumn cheeses and savory cured meats, but heart-healthy grapes are a convenient and easy take-along on your fall fun adventures. Whether you’re hiking to a scenic overlook or settling in for a picnic among the fallen leaves, California grapes bring vibrant, visual appeal and fresh flavor to your fall spread. Let the season’s bounty inspire your next fall adventure with a charcuterie board that celebrates both the beauty of fall foliage and the peak harvest season of California’s supreme grapes.
Why Choose California Grapes?
California Grapes are a Fall Fruit: With a season that starts in May and runs into January, fresh California grapes are widely available throughout the fall, delivering crisp, juicy sweetness.
- Vibrant Variety: Mix red, green and black grapes for a visually stunning charcuterie board.
- Pairing Power: Their natural sweetness balances salty cheeses, savory meats and crunchy nuts.
- Healthful and Crowd-Pleasing: Not only are California grapes incredibly delicious, they’re nutritious too. Grapes have no fat, no cholesterol, virtually no sodium and no added sugar! Grapes are also a good source of Vitamin K and a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols. Research shows that table grape consumption helps support heart health and may help promote healthy aging.
Build Your Board
Ingredients:
-1 bunch each of red, green and black California grapes (clip into small, easy-to-grab clusters)
-2-3 types of cheese (try a mix of soft brie, sharp cheddar and creamy blue)
-Swap out a blue/roquefort for these Grape Roquefort Canapés for a perfect blend of sweet, salty and nutty flavors.
– 2-3 cured meats that range in flavor from mild to spicy and vary in texture (salami, prosciutto, soppressata, Spanish chorizo)
-Nuts (almonds, walnuts or pistachios)
-Sweet (honey, fig jam or homemade preserves) and/or savory spreads (mustard, caramelized onions)
-This simple relish adds both a naturally sweet, gently tangy pairing for your charcuterie spread.
-Crackers, crostini, and sliced baguette
-Olives and pickled vegetables
Assembling Your Board
-Start by placing clusters of grapes in several spots on the board to anchor your charcuterie display with color and freshness.
-Add cheese wedges or cubes, spacing them around the grapes.
-Layer in meats, rolling or folding meats like salami into a triangle or get creative and make a salami rose or rolling slices for visual appeal. (check out one of the many online tutorials)
-Fill small bowls with spreads, nuts and pickled items, then tuck them among the larger items.
-Use nuts to fill gaps and add texture.
-Serve crackers and sliced baguette on the side or in dry areas on the board to keep them crisp.
-Garnish if desired with fresh rosemary for a festive touch.
With their crisp sweetness and refreshing bite, California grapes bring balance to every charcuterie board and joy to every gathering – the perfect way to savor fall’s finest flavors and the season’s simple pleasures.
10 Year Pharmacy Series: Family Health and Fitness Day 2025
Helping our shoppers support good health for their families is central to the mission of our company and our Pharmacy teams. Launched in 1996, Family Health and Fitness Day is a national day dedicated to supporting family wellness – getting active, eating well, managing stress and building strong family bonds through positive activities.
Family Meals is a great place to start! September is Family Meals Month, and we have been celebrating all month long! The Family Meals Movement is a national initiative that promotes the many benefits of family meals year-round. Some of those benefits include:
- Better nutrition and healthy weight
- Better grades
- Better social skills and more self-confidence
- Stronger family bonds
- Reduced risky behaviors and more physical activity
All of these are delivered by the power of eating and getting active together! Mental and physical health benefits of being active and eating together as often as possible are well-documented. No need to be fancy or perfect, it could be a pizza night, breakfast for dinner, tailgating at a school activity or a snack in the park – they all count toward that critical together time.
Getting active together may seem harder; keeping it simple will make it more likely to be maintained over time. Play frisbee or catch, walk in the park or around your neighborhood. Make it easy and let kids choose part of the activity, like which way to walk, or what song to choose. Make it a scavenger hunt around the house, with music that can be a little dance party when you’re stuck inside. Whenever possible, leave devices out of the moment, stowed in a backpack or pocket so you can all focus on each other and how good the activity makes you feel.
Our mission is to help you and yours be better together – Happy Family Health and Fitness Day!
Market 32 and Price Chopper Kick Off October Round-Up Campaign to Support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Funds raised will help advance critical research, equipment, and care
Schenectady, NY, October 1, 2025 – As part of Market 32’s 10-year anniversary campaign, Market 32 and Price Chopper are inviting customers to round up their change at checkout this October in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All 100% of donations will stay local, and to further the impact, Market 32 and Price Chopper will match all customer contributions, up to $10,000.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fuel life-saving treatments, innovative research, essential medical equipment, and child life programs at 170 hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. Donations will help provide care and comfort to kids and families across the neighborhood grocer’s footprint at:*
- Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center (Albany, NY)
- Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston, MA)
- Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (Hartford, CT)
- Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital (Mechanicsville, PA)
- Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital (Valhalla, NY)
- Mohawk Valley Health System (Utica, NY)
- Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, NY)
- The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital (Burlington, VT)
- Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital (Syracuse, NY)
“Each donation, no matter the size, helps bring comfort, healing, and hope to children and families across our communities,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “Together, alongside our customers and teammates, we’re helping Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals deliver critical care today, and brighter tomorrows for kids.”
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.
10 Year Pharmacy Series: Women’s Health Awareness
James Delaney
Pharmacy Student, PharmD Candidate 2026
Women’s health is about more than just annual check-ups—it’s about building a foundation of wellness that supports every stage of life. National Women’s Health & Fitness Day, celebrated on September 24, is the perfect reminder to prioritize preventive care, healthy habits, and regular screenings. As pharmacists, we see firsthand how small steps toward wellness—whether it’s staying active, eating well, or keeping up with recommended vaccines—make a big difference over time.
One of the most important aspects of women’s health is prevention. Vaccines such as the HPV vaccine, flu shot, and updated COVID-19 boosters help protect against serious illnesses. Routine screenings, like mammograms, cholesterol checks, and blood pressure monitoring, play a key role in catching health issues early when they are most treatable. We encourage women to use this month as a chance to review their health goals and schedule any appointments or preventive services they may have put off.
Our pharmacies can be a convenient place to start. We are here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support your health journey in a welcoming and accessible setting. Whether you’re looking for advice on nutrition, exercise, vaccines, or managing a chronic condition, we are here as part of your healthcare team. Together, we can make women’s health a priority—not just on September 24, but every day of the year.
10 Year Anniversary Pharmacy Series: Get Smart at the Pharmacy – Planning for School Success
As you watch the sales for school supplies, don’t forget to check out your medicine cabinet and ensure you have some supplies on hand for those days that start with a groan instead of a hug. These recommendations are meant for a hopefully quick bout of the “bug du jour”. Keep your family members’ overall health needs in mind and contact their MD if any symptoms are severe.
- Top Priority – If your child or family member requires medication during the school day, be sure to check with your pharmacist and get medications and directions organized before they head out on that first day. This is most important for emergency medications such as Epi-Pens, or chronic medications, like insulin. Knowing about options that are extended release could make a big difference in your child’s day and yours. Having age-appropriate over the counter meds to triage allergies, fevers and sore throats will save a trip when no one feels like going to the store.
- Liquids are Mandatory – and water doesn’t always cut it. Keep some shelf-stable clear liquids in the pantry for those days when sore throats and rumbling tummies are making a tough day tougher. Juices should be clear, low acid and light colored.
- Keep some straws on hand. They triple the volume of liquid when compared with sipping, especially for the lethargic or stubborn patients. Juice boxes with straws, clear Pedialyte-type drinks and ginger ale are easy to stash away for a sick day.
- Another pantry staple, soup, particularly chicken noodle, is “souper-food” for most mild illnesses: warm liquids soothe throats and tummies, replace sodium, and the noodles come in distracting cartoon shapes that many children can recognize and focus on.
- Plain crackers can be stashed next to these supplies– can go with the soup, or be eaten on their own, easy carbohydrates that can break down quickly and get your stomach “started up” again.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends returning to regular foods and drinks as soon as possible. A good start may be (surprise!) chocolate milk. It is a nutrient-rich package of protein, fluid and electrolytes, and regularly used in sports programs to rehydrate.
Wishing all our students a healthy, successful year!
Market 32 Launches Pet Food Drive to Help Celebrate 10 Years of Caring for Every Family Member
[Schenectady, NY, September 15, 2025] In celebration of Market 32’s 10th anniversary, Market 32 and Price Chopper stores are inviting customers to help make a difference in the lives of pets in need through the purchase of $10 bags of pet food.
Now – October 4, shoppers will have the option to purchase and contribute a bag containing five dog food or cat food items. All donations will be distributed to animal shelters local to each store, ensuring these organizations and local families facing hardship can keep their pets healthy and well-fed.
“Pets are family, too,” said Pam Cerrone, director of community relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. “We’re happy to provide a simple and affordable way for customers to support animal shelters and neighbors who may be struggling to feed their pets. Together, we can make sure that every pet gets the care and nourishment they deserve.”
The donated pet food will benefit animals awaiting adoption at local shelters, as well as outreach programs that provide support to pet owners experiencing food insecurity. It will help stretch resources further and keep pets healthy.
The Pet Food Drive is part of Market 32 and Price Chopper’s ongoing commitment to nourishing communities through hunger relief, health and wellness, and care for families, including pets.
10 Year Anniversary Pharmacy Series: Immunization Awareness/Kickoff
James Delaney
Pharmacy Student, PharmD Candidate 2026
As pharmacists, we are proud to serve as one of the most accessible healthcare providers in our communities. Immunization awareness is one of the most important initiatives we lead each year, and now is the perfect time to kick off the conversation. Vaccines are not just about protecting individuals—they help protect families, friends, and the entire community by preventing the spread of serious illnesses.
This season, we encourage everyone to check their immunization records and make sure they are up to date. Whether it’s your flu shot, the latest COVID-19 vaccination, the newly available RSV vaccine for eligible adults, or the pneumococcal vaccine to protect against serious lung infections, staying current with your vaccinations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your health. Many of these vaccines can be administered right in our pharmacies, often without an appointment, making it easier than ever to stay protected.
If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Our goal is to listen, provide accurate information, and help you feel confident in your healthcare choices. By working together, we can make a meaningful impact this immunization season and support a healthier, safer community for all.
NASCAR Star Ross Chastain Shifts “10 Years Fresh” into High Gear
Schenectady, N.Y., Sept. 11, 2025 – Racing met retail as dozens of fans steered over to Market 32 in Malta, NY, on Wednesday to meet NASCAR star Ross Chastain. The high-octane meet-and-greet near the neighboring Albany-Saratoga Speedway brought Cup Series Playoff fever to customers, marking one of the first marquee events in Market 32’s 10-week-long “10 Years Fresh” campaign.
Chastain, driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing and an eighth-generation watermelon farmer, signed autographs and greeted guests during the one-day appearance. His agricultural roots provided a natural tie-in to Market 32 and Price Chopper’s focus on fresh produce. The Malta location and many others carry his family’s Melon 1 watermelons, making him the perfect driver to help accelerate the celebration.
“This was a fantastic way to rev up our anniversary festivities,” said Market 32 and Price Chopper President Blaine Bringhurst. “Ross Chastain is more than an elite motorsports athlete. His lifelong dedication to farming reflects the same commitment we have to sourcing the high-quality food and products our customers count on us for. He brought incredible energy to our Malta store, and the enthusiasm from fans showed us just how much our communities appreciate the unique experiences we’re able to bring to the table.”
Chastain also signed several cases of Busch Light – his primary sponsor – which are available for purchase at the Malta store for customers 21 and older at no extra charge while supplies last.
The “10 Years Fresh” campaign, which kicked off September 7 and runs through mid-November, will feature sampling events, exclusive product offerings, special savings opportunities, and community engagement experiences across Market 32 and Price Chopper stores. The Chastain appearance represents the next lap in a series of celebratory moments designed to thank shoppers for their loyalty – including a chance to win Free Groceries for a Year, receiving an additional 32 million AdvantEdge Rewards points, and weekly PICS product giveaways – while showcasing Market 32’s customer-oriented and innovative spirit.
To learn more about Market 32’s 10th anniversary celebration, visit https://www.pricechopper.com/anniversary/.
California Table Grapes are a top pick for your busy lifestyle in September! Packable and snackable, they are a fun addition to your Labor Day celebration and everything else you do. Fresh and cool, California Tables Grapes are easy to take on a picnic or pack for travel or any event. They make the grade for back-to-school lunches and after school snacks, and they offer energy and hydration for sports or late afternoon workouts – just toss a go-bag in the car to keep passengers young and old hydrated and happy!
What are table grapes?
Table grapes are grapes that are specifically grown to be enjoyed fresh, as opposed to those grown for juice or wine. Today over 99% of the commercially grown table grapes in the U.S. come from California. With more than 80 varieties, they are in-season and in our stores from July through December. Table grapes can be red, green, or dark purple/black, and are different flavors, shapes and sizes. They are well-known kid favorites and offer all ages an easy way to enjoy more fruit.
Culinary Connections – Sweet and Savory Solutions
California Table Grapes have a place at every meal and event!
Breakfast: They are an easy companion to any breakfast, ready to join cereal, granola or protein bars for those quick morning meals. Smoothie lover? Freeze grapes to add their flavor, nutrition and hydration benefits to any smoothie recipe. Heart Smart Grape and PB Smoothie | Grapes from California Green Grape Power Smoothie | Grapes from California How about hearty oatmeal or Quinoa Breakfast Cereal with Grapes and Pistachios | Grapes from California?
Brunch or Lunch
Chicken and California Grape Salad | Grapes from California is a great fresh salad or, for a fun twist you can add grapes to Market 32 Chicken Salad! This easy flatbread will make your coworkers jealous! California Grape and Goat Cheese Flatbread | Grapes from California For convenience, this recipe could be made on naan or pita bread.
Grapes are also very versatile – their bright flavor notes complement all 5 basic tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. This lovely Lemony California Grape and Beet Salad | Grapes from California marries grapes and beets in a luscious lemony dressing. Enjoy with one of your favorite proteins, like Market 32 Rotisserie Chicken or leftover grilled steak. That may make your lunch list every week!
