Composting Tips & Tricks
Reduce waste through composting! Compost is organic material that can be added to soil to help plants grow. Food scraps and yard waste are examples of compost, but usually these items are thrown away, rather than being composted. Making compost keeps these items out of landfills where they release methane and take up space.
All composting requires three ingredients: browns, greens, and water. Browns being dead leaves, branches, twigs. Greens being grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps, coffee grounds. And the right amount of water.
Any time is a good time to start composting, but spring is particularly advantageous. In spring, you can use the warmer weather to your advantage along with the increased activity of microorganisms and creatures. By composting, you will enrich your soil by retaining moisture and suppressing plant diseases and pests. You will also reduce your need for chemical fertilizers and methane emissions from landfills, lowering your carbon footprint.
For backyard composting, select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile. Add even amounts of browns and greens, making sure the larger pieces are shredded or chopped. For dry materials, make sure they are moistened as they are added to the pile. Once you have built your compost pile, mix grass clippings and green waste in and bury fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of material.
If you don’t have a proper space for outdoor composting, you can do so indoors with a specialized composting bin. When properly managed, an indoor bin will not attract pests or give off an unwanted scent.
Check out some more composting tricks:
- Fats, pet droppings, or animal dropping should not be compost. They will attract pests and can spread disease.
- Shredded newspaper or plain white paper works great as compost!
- Plants that have been treated with pesticides should not be used.
- Straw is an excellent source of carbon for your compost pile.
- Kitchen waste such as vegetable peels, fruit rinds, coffee grounds, tea bags, and egg shells can be fed to worms. Meat and dairy products should be avoided.
- Woody stalks or corn cobs usually decompose slower, smash with a hammer to make it easier for the microorganisms in your pile to break them down.
- Too many browns will make your pile hard to break-down. Too many greens will make your pile too smelly. Try layering each evenly.
- The more you add at once the quicker your pile will heat up. One big meal is better than several small snacks.
- When finished your pile should look, feel, and smell like rich, dark soil. The items you added should be unrecognizable.
- Relax, and stick to the process. Eventually you will make a great compost!
Sources: https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/tips/ – http://www.carryoncomposting.com/416920199 – https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
Earth Day Cuisine - The Plant Powered Plate
Earth Day, the largest secular observance event in the world, will be recognized again on its 56th anniversary, April 22nd. Over 1 billion people in 184+ countries will be engaged in activities and events that promote improved care and feeding of our unique planet.
Adding more plants to your plate is one way to engage in supporting Earth Day, agriculture and individual health. Americans at every age and stage have plenty of room to add more plant-based foods. We fully support all efforts to add bounty and benefits of powering your plate with plants, and we have some resources to make it easy.
Recipe for a Plant Powered Plate
- Most people only eat just one vegetable one time per day – up the ante on that, double up veggie portions when you have them, and add some to all meals and snacks.
- Energize your day with a quick cup of 100% juice – a 4 ounce serving equals a full serving of fruit! Add 100% juice to water, vinaigrettes, marinades, or freeze in ice cube trays and bag up for a quick way to add flavor and benefits to your favorite drink.
- Participate in “conscious cuisine” – promoted by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, being more mindful of how plants can bring flavor, texture, antioxidants, fiber, and more to a dish. More plant-based eating benefits human and agricultural wellbeing.
- Check out our Better For You Guide for plant-based foods that only contain plant-based ingredients and at least 5 grams of protein.
- Shop with your reusable bags
Some delicious plant-forward recipes:
Vegan Creole Red Bean “Sausage” & Rice Recipe | Price Chopper
April is National Brunch Month
April is National Brunch Month and we’re celebrating with recipes perfect for spring. Give these a try at your next Sunday brunch – or whenever you have a hankering for something new. Let us know which recipes you’re most excited to try!
California Turkey BLT Egg Wraps: This recipe takes classic California-style ingredients like tomato, avocado, turkey, and bacon, and sets them up nicely in a yummy egg wrap.
Maple-Brown Butter & Thyme Cream Scones: Maple is one of our favorite brunch flavors and these Maple-Brown Butter & Thyme Cream Scones implement it beautifully.
Huevos Rancheros: Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican-style brunch dish. Featuring fried eggs served on a corn tortilla, topped with ranchero-style tomato and chili sauce, and accompanied with flavorful, fresh toppings.
Hawaiian Smoothie Bowl: If you’re looking for a refreshing way to start your day, this Hawaiian Smoothie Bowl is the answer. Featuring mango, banana, raspberries, pineapple juice and more.
PB & J Stuffed French Toast: Who doesn’t love French toast and all the ways you can get creative with it? This PB&J version is the perfect example of that delicious versatility.
Bacon Stuffed French Toast Rolls: Staying on French toast…we had to provide a savory option as well, like these Bacon Stuffed French Toast Rolls.
Delicata Squash & Goat Cheese Frittata: Frittata is an Italian egg-based dish, similar to an open-faced omelet. Normally filled with vegetables and accompanying ingredients for a delicious, healthy brunch. Like this version, featuring delicata squash and goat cheese.
Ham & Avocado Toasts with Crispy Parmesan Eggs: And finally, an enhanced avocado toast recipe, featuring delicious ham and eggs with crispy parmesan cheese. Delicious.
Happy National Brunch Month! We hope you enjoy a few of these new recipes.
Check out these video recipes
Market 32 and Price Chopper Launch Spring Drive to Support Local Food Pantries
Market 32 and Price Chopper invite guests across their footprint to help support local food pantries and families in need through a convenient, in-store food drive. From March 15–April 4, guests can purchase a $10 pre-packed grocery bag filled with essential PICS brand items that food pantries consistently identify as most needed. Each bag includes a 16-ounce box of elbow macaroni, a 16-ounce jar of peanut butter, a 10.5-ounce can of chicken noodle soup, a 5-ounce can of tuna, a 15.5-ounce can of kidney beans, a 15.25-ounce can of white corn, and a 5-ounce can of chunk chicken.
Each Market 32 and Price Chopper store will donate the collected bags to a local food pantry serving its community. Store teams coordinate with neighborhood organizations to ensure the food stays local and reaches families in need as quickly as possible. The pre-packed bags will be displayed in the front end of each store, with signage identifying the benefiting pantry.
“Food pantries continue to experience elevated demand as families balance rising costs and everyday expenses,” said Pam Cerrone, director of community relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Our guests are incredibly generous, and this program makes it easy for them to help neighbors who may be struggling to put food on the table.”
Through initiatives like this food drive, Market 32 and Price Chopper continue their commitment to strengthening local communities and ensuring families have access to nutritious, reliable food.
Market 32 and Price Chopper Step Up to the Plate with Spring “Big League Raffle” for Youth Sports Teams
SCHENECTADY, N.Y., March 9, 2026– Local youth sports programs have an opportunity to hit a home run with their fundraising efforts thanks to the Market 32 and Price Chopper Big League Raffle. Teams across the region can sell $5 raffle tickets, giving supporters a chance to win exciting prizes while keeping 100% of the proceeds for their organization. Market 32 and Price Chopper provide the tickets and all prizes, making it a win-win for young athletes, their families, and the community.
“This is an easy, seamless way for teams to raise much-needed funds for uniforms, equipment, travel, and more, with Market 32 and Price Chopper doing the heavy lifting,” said Pam Cerrone, the company’s director of community relations. “Teams sell raffle tickets, we manage the logistics, and much-needed resources to support vital youth athletic programs stay local.”
Prizes include a variety of high-value gift cards, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Tickets are easy to sell and a fun way for community members to get involved while uplifting local athletes and development programs. The spring sports raffle drawing will take place on June 25, 2026.
Teams interested in participating can visit pricechopper.com/big-league-raffle for details.
National Meatball Day
It’s National Meatball Day and we’re celebrating with our variety of recipe options. From classic Italian Sliders to Sriracha Chicken Meatballs, and exciting Buffalo Sliders, there’s something for everyone to try.
Tex-Mex Pork Meatballs: Take Tex-Mex further than you ever have with these tasty Tex-Mex Pork Meatballs.
Slow Cooker Sriracha-BBQ Meatballs: Slow cooked to perfection, these Sriracha BBQ Meatballs are worth the wait.
Honey-Sriracha Chicken Meatballs: The sweetness of the honey makes these Honey-Sriracha Chicken Meatballs a 10 out of 10.
Freezer-Friendly Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Chicken Meatballs: Who doesn’t love a good sweet and spicy combo?
Lamb Meatball Hummus Bowls: Mediterranean tastes for a delicious and refreshing option.
Italian Meatball Sliders: Can’t go wrong with a classic Italian Meatball Sandwich.
Check out these recipe videos for even more yummy options!
Written by our friends at the American Dairy Association
Simple swaps and smart choices to keep dairy on the menu
For many shoppers, enjoying dairy is less about avoiding certain foods and more about choosing options that fit their needs and preferences. Lactose intolerance—a common condition in which the body has difficulty digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in milk—can influence those choices, but it doesn’t mean dairy has to be off the table.
With a few thoughtful swaps, it’s possible to keep favorite dairy foods part of everyday meals while feeling confident and comfortable.
Start with Lactose-Free Milk
Lactose-free milk is a simple way to enjoy real dairy with added digestive ease. Made from real milk, the lactose has already been broken down, while the taste, texture, and nutrients—like protein and calcium—remain the same.
Lactose-free milk can be used just like regular milk in everyday meals—poured over cereal, blended into smoothies, stirred into oatmeal, or added to coffee. It’s an easy swap that doesn’t require changing how you cook or eat, and it’s readily available alongside traditional milk options at Price Chopper.
Yogurt is a Naturally Flexible Choice
Yogurt is another dairy option many people enjoy comfortably, thanks to live and active cultures. Greek yogurt, in particular, tends to be lower in lactose and higher in protein, making it a satisfying option for meals and snacks.
When shopping, look for yogurt labeled with “live & active cultures,” and enjoy it in portions that feel right for you. Yogurt works just as well in sweet breakfasts as it does in savory dishes, making it a versatile staple in the kitchen.
For easy inspiration, lactose-free milk and yogurt can be used in familiar, everyday recipes without changing how you cook. Build a yogurt parfait for breakfast, blend a smoothie for an on-the-go snack, or use yogurt to create creamy dips for meals and entertaining. These simple recipes make it easy to enjoy dairy in ways that feel comfortable and familiar.
Choose Cheese with Confidence
Cheese lovers have plenty of options, too. Many hard and aged cheeses—such as cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and provolone—are naturally lower in lactose due to the aging process. These cheeses are widely enjoyed and add bold flavor to everyday meals.
Sprinkled over salads, melted into recipes, or layered into sandwiches, these cheeses bring richness and satisfaction while fitting comfortably into a flexible approach to dairy.
Find What Works for You
Everyone’s needs and preferences are different—and that’s perfectly normal. Starting with smaller portions, choosing lactose-free milk, enjoying yogurt with live cultures, and selecting aged cheeses can help many people continue to enjoy dairy as part of their routine.
With plenty of options available at Price Chopper, enjoying dairy your way is all about choice, variety, and finding what fits your lifestyle best.
Shop some delicious lactose-free options!
Market 32 and Price Chopper Launch Checkout Campaign to Support Local United Way Chapters
Market32 and Price Chopper are inviting customers to round up their purchase total to the nearest dollar at checkout to benefit local United Way chapters and the various nonprofit partners they help support across the chain’s six-state footprint. The campaign runs March 1 – 31.
Funds raised will help advance United Way’s work addressing critical community needs, including food insecurity, housing stability, access to education, childcare, and financial empowerment programs that support individuals and families.
“United Way works at the heart of communities to identify urgent needs and mobilize resources where they can make the greatest impact,” said Pam Cerrone, director of community relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Every donation—often just a few cents—adds up quickly to help fund essential services. And because funds raised stay local, customers can feel confident their contributions are directly helping neighbors in the same communities where they live, work, and shop.”
United Way partners with a broad network of vetted nonprofit agencies to ensure resources are distributed effectively and strategically. In addition to funding direct services, United Way convenes community leaders, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to address root causes of challenges and build long-term solutions.
Over $623,000 Raised at Market 32 and Price Chopper During 2025 Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign
SCHENECTADY, N.Y., February 16, 2025– Salvation Army bellringers at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire raised over $623,000 during the 6-week “Red Kettle” holiday campaign in November and December 2025. The money raised will help fund essential services, including food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief.
For generations, the Red Kettle campaign has been a visible and meaningful symbol of holiday giving, offering customers a simple way to support neighbors in need while completing their everyday grocery shopping. Contributions collected at Market 32 and Price Chopper stores directly support local Salvation Army programs, ensuring that donations stay within the communities where they are given.
“Every donation made at our stores has a direct impact, allowing The Salvation Army to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most,” said Pam Cerrone, Market 32 and Price Chopper director of community relations. “We’re proud of our longstanding partnership and incredibly grateful to our customers for stepping up and supporting their important work and making a difference in the lives of so many.”
“It is only through the community’s generosity that The Salvation Army can respond to those in need 365 days a year,” said Major Michelle Dressler, divisional commander for The Empire State Division of The Salvation Army. “Our continued partnership with Market 32 and Price Chopper is vital to our mission and efforts to help those most in need, as all funds raised stay local to make a difference right here in our community.”
Market 32 Morrisville, VT Grand Reopening Generates More than $11,000 for Local Organizations
Schenectady, N.Y., February 16, 2026 — In celebration of the January 16 grand re-opening of the Market 32 located at Route 15 and 370 Munson Ave. in Morrisville, VT, Market 32 donated more than $11,000 to two local nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening the community.
As part of the re-opening festivities on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, customers received 5% off their grocery purchases. In turn, Market 32 donated an additional 5% of total store sales across the two days to Lamoille Community Foodshare and Morrisville Soccer Club. Each organization received $5,650.
“We’re proud to mark this re-opening by reinvesting directly in the Morrisville community,” said Pam Cerrone, Director of Community Relations for Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Beyond great food and value, we proudly lend our support to many organizations and events that make a real difference in our community, and we have a name for that support: Market 32 Cares. Providing access to nutritious food and creating opportunities for children and families are central to our mission of nourishing life. These donations reflect our ongoing commitment to helping people feed and care for their families in the communities we serve.”
Lamoille Community Foodshare works to address food insecurity throughout Lamoille County, while Morrisville Soccer Club provides youth with opportunities to learn teamwork, build confidence, and stay active through sport.
The Morrisville Market 32 grand re-opening, which was the culmination of a $3.4 million investment in the location, is part of Market 32 and Price Chopper’s continued commitment to elevating customer experience while remaining a strong community partner.