Bells are Ringing: Salvation Army Holiday Red Kettle Campaign Underway at Market 32 and Price Chopper
Schenectady, N.Y. December 2, 2025 – The familiar sound of holiday bells has returned to Market 32 and Price Chopper stores as they have once again partnered with The Salvation Army for its annual Red Kettle campaign. Through December 24, all 129 stores across New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire will host the iconic red kettles to collect donations supporting neighbors in need.
The two organizations have worked hand in hand for more than 35 years to strengthen local communities during the holiday season and beyond. Last year, generous Market 32 and Price Chopper shoppers contributed over $618,000, helping to provide food, shelter, and essential assistance in the same communities where the donations were made.
“The annual Red Kettle campaign is a cherished part of the holiday season—both in our stores and in our communities,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “It’s a privilege to open our doors to this tradition each year and support The Salvation Army’s mission of caring for our friends and neighbors in need.”
“It is only through the community’s generosity and partnerships like this one that we can respond to those in need 365 days a year through our services and programs,” said Major Michelle Dressler, Salvation Army Divisional Commander for the Empire State. “All funds raised during our annual Red Kettle Campaign stay local to make a real difference right here in our communities.”
The Salvation Army provides assistance to families and individuals throughout the year through food pantries, emergency assistance programs, after-school programs, music programs, pastoral counseling, and Christmas and toy assistance. Since 2010, Market 32 and Price Chopper and its generous customers have raised over $9 million through the Red Kettle campaign to support these initiatives.
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.
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!
Market 32 Kicks Off ‘10 Years Fresh’ Initiative with Savings for Shoppers, Commitment to Local Growth
Schenectady, N.Y., Sept. 8, 2025 – Market 32 and Price Chopper, the trusted neighborhood grocer, are proudly launching a “10 Years Fresh” campaign to celebrate a decade since opening the doors to the first Market 32 store. The multifaceted initiative will provide customers with extra savings to stretch their grocery dollars and showcase the company’s commitment to serving local communities.
Rolling out over the next 10 weeks, customers can expect:
- The opportunity to win Free Groceries for a Year
- Special savings thanks to the company’s plans to give away an additional 32 million AdvantEdge Rewards points— customers have already saved over $19 million so far in 2025; now Market 32 is helping shoppers save even more
- Free weekly PICS product giveaways and celebratory sampling events
- The option to purchase an anniversary flower bouquet in Market 32 stores for $10, with $1 from every purchase supporting local food banks
- eCoupons on signature items dropping weekly
- Details about expanded multicultural offerings
- Exciting updates about even more ways Market 32 plans to serve its communities in its stores and outside of them
The Market 32 concept started as a bold idea to create a more modern grocery shopping experience to meet the changing needs of customers. The new store design would be so different, it called for an entirely revamped brand—beginning with its name—which pays homage to founders Ben and Bill Golub, who opened their first grocery store in 1932. The new brand identity emphasized a fierce commitment to giving back, providing fresh locally grown and made products, and delivering excellent value every day.
In the 10 years since the company launched its new brand, communities have come to rely on Market 32, and customers’ input and preferences continue to guide the brand’s local offerings and strategies.
“The last 10 years have been about evolution, impact, and enduring freshness,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “But this anniversary is not just about the age of our stores—it’s about the customers who choose to shop with us, every devoted team member, and the community partners and local vendors who deliver something special to our shelves. We’ve grown together for a decade, and this is just the beginning of our story. The Market 32 concept was shaped by and for our customers, and we’re committed to the important work of listening and adapting to ensure this remains true for decades to come.”
Yesterday, customers, employees, community partners, and elected officials gathered at Market 32’s location in the Clifton Park Shoppers World Plaza to reflect on 10 years of impact and toast to the future. This Market 32 location was one of the first three proof-of-concept stores that the company opened in 2015. Free product samples from over 20 local and national producers offered guests a chance to savor some of the products and flavors synonymous with the innovative spirit of the brand. Additional sampling events will take place during the 10-week initiative across several Market 32 locations
“This milestone is a testament to the power of what it means to truly listen to the needs of customers,” said John Persons, CEO of Northeast Grocery, Inc. (NGI), the parent company of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Since inception, Market 32 has built meaningful and longstanding partnerships, grown its loyal customer base, and consistently delivered when our communities needed us most. At Northeast Grocery, we’re thrilled to see our teammates, shoppers, and neighbors come together in support — and to be a part of the journey.”
Today, the Market 32 brand has firmly established a fresh-forward, food-focused identity and people-first commitment. The company’s impact can be measured in the employment opportunities it provides, the local families it feeds, the generous donations of food and funding given to local nonprofits, and the local businesses and farms it supports. Over the last 10 years, Market 32 and Price Chopper have contributed over $11.7 million in financial donations for charitable causes, raised over $17.3 million through in-store fundraisers, and donated over 21 million pounds through its Fresh Recovery program, which donates unsold fresh food to area food banks. The company has successfully converted and opened 51 Market 32 stores across its six-state footprint, in addition to its 78 Price Chopper locations and Market Bistro. With over 15,500 employees and partnerships with hundreds of local businesses, the company remains deeply rooted and committed to growing in the communities it serves.
While the anniversary serves as a celebration of Market 32’s past, the company is also looking ahead to its future, with plans to continue investing in store renovations and customer experience, as well as ambitions to accelerate expansion efforts throughout its geographic footprint. Market 32 is inviting customers—old and new—to stop by stores and be part of the next decade and beyond.
To learn more and follow along for the latest weekly updates, visit pricechopper.com. To engage with the campaign on social media and share your favorite Market 32 memories from the last decade, head to Facebook and Instagram.
Market 32 and Price Chopper Step Up to the Plate to Help Local Teams Reach Cal Ripken World Series
Schenectady, N.Y., August 6, 2025– Market 32 and Price Chopper are pitching in to support two outstanding local youth baseball teams as they represent the region on the national stage at the Cal Ripken World Series, beginning August 6. The dedicated young athletes on the Guilderland Baseball 12U and Bethlehem All-Stars 10U teams have earned the opportunity to compete against the best teams from around the country, working tirelessly to secure a spot in this prestigious tournament.
With a tight timeframe, families, coaches, and volunteers have been racing to raise funds to cover travel, lodging, equipment, and tournament expenses. Market 32 and Price Chopper is honored to contribute a combined total of more than $8,750 to help each teams’ effort cross home plate and reach their full fundraising goal. These donations will allow players and their families to focus on what matters most—playing their best and creating lifelong memories.
This builds on Market 32 and Price Chopper’s longstanding commitment to youth athletics across its six-state footprint. Throughout the year, Market 32 and Price Chopper sponsor local teams and tournaments across a variety of sports—from baseball and softball to basketball, soccer, and more—helping kids stay active and develop life skills on and off the field. The popular Big League Raffle, held across multiple sports seasons, further fuels this mission by providing resources and opportunities for young athletes and recreational organizations throughout the year.
“Like all of the youth sports programs we are proud to support, these two teams represent the spirit, teamwork, and determination that define our communities,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “We’re thrilled to help them pursue their dreams on a national stage and cheer them on as they bring pride to our hometowns.”
The Cal Ripken World Series, part of the Babe Ruth League, is one of the premier youth baseball tournaments in the country, welcoming champions from across the United States and around the world. Both local teams earned their spots after months of competition, commitment, and hard work.
With a proud tradition of nourishing youth and families in the communities they serve, this donation is part of Market 32 and Price Chopper’s ongoing investment in programs that uplift and empower local children.