Raise a Glass to Dairy Month!

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN  Senior Nutritionist

June 1st is a holiday for our dairy farmers – it is World Milk Day, and kicks off the annual celebration of Dairy Month and all that dairy brings us! Full of flavor and nutrients, packed with protein, familiar and affordable, wholesome dairy brings richness to so many foods. Across the Northeast, dairy is considered a unique “natural resource”, which supports healthy people, healthy communities and a substantial and sustainable positive impact on local economies. We use milk, yogurt, butter, and cheese to bake, batch, sip, and savor our way through delicious and nutritious meals and snacks. Welcome to Dairy Month, an annual national celebration of all that dairy brings us. There would be no dairy without dairy farming, which encompasses time-honored heritage and forward-thinking scholarship – this industry keeps innovating, and is full of hard working, passionate people that ensure animals have the best care, and milk is the highest quality. About 97% of dairy farms are family-owned, generation after generation that have moved the industry forward and treat animals, land and the future with reverence and respect. Dairy also delivers crucial nutrients – milk, yogurt and cheese contribute 51% of calcium and 58% of Vitamin D for just 10% of the calories in the overall American diet. The Great American Milk Drive also kicks off in our stores today – with a $1 or $5 donation at the register, you can join in and get milk to children and families that are less food secure. Check out our Facebook Live visit with our friends at Ivey Lakes Dairy in Stanley, NY, follow the blog, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram learn more about how fresh, nourishing dairy foods make their way from the farm to your table, and the delicious ways you can enjoy them. In case you couldn’t tell, we love dairy – Price Chopper and Market 32 are highlighting dairy and dairy case items all month – you will love the selection and the savings. Celebrate with us! Happy Hour Just Got a lot Closer! It’s American Craft Beer Week and we’re celebrating! We’re proud to team up with local craft brewers in each of our Northeast states, bringing some of the best regional tastes to our stores.  Thanks to their continuous hard work and brewing efforts, this exciting week can be celebrated the right way: at home in the Northeast. Happy Hour just got a lot closer! Check out some of our featured local brewers below.   Genesee Brewery, Rochester NY  We’ve been teaming up with the folks at the Genesee Brewery for over 40 years! Located in Rochester, NY, Genesee Brewery was founded in 1878 and has since become one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the country. Genesee Beer is brewed with six-row barley, malt, corn grits, and hops from the Yakima Valley. They offer classic varieties such as Genesee Cream Ale, Genesee Light, and the newly introduced Genesee Ruby Red Kolsch.   Susquehanna Brewing Company, Pittston PA Located in Pittston, PA, at Susquehanna they live and work by the slogan “Brewed Right,” pointing out their drive to make delicious beer, the correct way for their Northeast Pennsylvania customers. If you’re ever in the Scranton area, pull up a seat at the brew house tasting room to sip some Pennsylvania beer while it’s being brewed in front of you!   Woodstock Inn Brewery, North Woodstock NH North Woodstock, NH is home to one of the premier breweries in the state: The Woodstock Inn Brewery. Woodstock Inn was the third brewery to open in New Hampshire, and since then has grown into a 37-barrel production facility, home to two dozen year-round and seasonal brews.  Raspberry Weasel Wheat Ale and Last Chair Ale are just a couple of the many delicious options that Woodstock has available for the season.   Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford CT Two Roads was created by four friends who made it their goal to start a craft brewery. Located in Stratford, CT, Two Roads focuses on putting unique spins on classic beer styles, striving to make each taste their very own. Paste Magazine named the brewery one of the ten best in America. Not to mention, their beer has won many awards of its own, including their Belgian Style Lambic Ale at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival!   Druthers Brewing Company, Saratoga Springs NY   Druthers Brewery was assembled in 2012 and has quickly become a popular destination in Saratoga Springs, NY. The brewery contains a 10 barrel brewing system that supplies the beer. Druthers offers an ever-changing and updating beer menu, however, their seasonal brews are always a hit. For this time of year, try Brevity Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer spiced with sweet orange peel and coriander. Made with 40% wheat, the flavor is fruity, light, and refreshing for thewarm weather.   Berkshire Brewing Company, South Deerfield MA Berkshire Brewing Company was founded in 1994 in South Deerfield, MA. Their goal was to continue the tradition of high quality craft beer in the region, something they have definitely accomplished. See for yourself by trying their classic beers like Drayman’s Porter, a sweet, dark-ruby brown ale with hints of chocolate malt and mocha, topped off by a hop bitterness. Or drink for the season with a Gold Spike Ale, a pale golden ale with a crisp, clean malt flavor, perfect for the transition from spring to summer.   von Trapp Brewery, Stowe VT Inspired by brews from the Austrian countryside, von Trapp Brewery in Stowe, VT, puts an American twist on these mouth-watering tastes. Opened in the spring of 2010, von Trapp now brews approximately 50,000 gallons of beer each year, available year round and seasonally. Bohemian Pilsner, a two-time award winning beverage, has a spicy citrus flavor, combined with a dry, peppery finish. Also available, Kolsch Style, an ideal summer ale that experiments with German hops to create an enjoyable, hoppy adventure.   Enjoy American Craft Beer Week and celebrate our local brewers with us! We love bringing these tastes to our stores and hope to continue working with these partners for the long haul. In the meantime, remember to enjoy responsibly. Cheers!

How Peanut Butter Met Jelly

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN

April 2nd is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Day! The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a lunchbox icon, enjoyed by generations. Just as iconic are two of the brands America has grown up with – Skippy Peanut Butter, and Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly. How they got together went something like this…

• 1894 – Peanut butter was invented, but it is oily and hard to transport
• 1918 – Welch’s “Grapelade” (jam) is introduced, and added to U.S. soldiers rations
• 1922 – Joseph Rosefield invents processing to keep ground peanuts and peanut oil blended
• 1923 – Welch’s brings their famous Concord Grape Jelly to market
• 1932 – Joseph Rosefield starts his own company, Skippy Peanut Butter

  Timing was key – a few years later, World War II and American soldiers marched across nations. Shelf stable, high protein Skippy Peanut Butter and delicious Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly sandwiches went with them. After the war, returning soldiers shared their love for this dynamic duo with friends and family, and the rest is PBJ history. This uniquely American meal maker has the right stuff to be a go-to staple:

• Taste and texture: sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy – something for everyone
• Thrifty and practical – budget friendly and quick to make
• Comfort food – PBJ sandwiches are easy to enjoy, every day or once in a while
• Food safety – no cooler required, PBJ sandwiches are good travelers

  What’s the right way to cut a PB&J sandwich? There’s always some energetic debate about the right way to cut a sandwich, and since today is PB&J Sandwich Day, we’re putting the debate front and center! Visit our Facebook page today to vote on your favorite PB&J cut and join in on the sandwich cutting conversation!

Happy Hydrating with 2Natural Blends!

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist

Water is essential – we cannot live without it. Our bodies feel and function best when well-hydrated, and water is the top pick to meet that need. We also need water to support good performance in sports or any physical activity. But, we struggle to stay hydrated – busy and distracted, whether working or playing – dehydration sneaks up on us, and is not easy to detect. Have you ever felt fatigued mid-afternoon even though you rested well the night before? Dehydration is often the culprit. Children are particularly vulnerable – and younger ones often uncooperative with parent efforts. Adding fruit can inspire better water intake.  Cutting fruit up, finding a container that keeps the fruit in and lets the water out, making it easy to grab and go – those were tougher problems to solve, until a mom from upstate New York put it all together. Denise Wist tapped into a natural spring in her small town of Morris; invented a special recyclable bottle; and infused the spring water with cut fruit. Now a woman-owned business, 2Natural Blends infused spring waters deliver a fresh take on healthy beverages. Busy moms, anyone looking for hydration options that are calorie-free or no added sugar will love exploring flavors like lemon-cucumber and pineapple-mango. Simple water, with a twist! We love supporting exciting, Northeast-based food business and we are happy to be the first retailer to share these fun refreshers! When it’s made or grown here, we get it here. Learn more at http://2naturalblends.com/, and if you’re in the Oneonta area, sample each of 2Natural’s unique blends at our Oneonta store, every Saturday in April from 11am-2pm!

Mussel Magic in March

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN  Senior Nutritionist

March is warm and cold, sunny and snowy, cloudy and clear – every day is different.  As schedules heat up, having something easy on hand for a warm lunch or dinner is always a good idea. Pier 33 Mussels are frozen fresh and go from freezer to skillet. Easy to season and savor, a glug of olive oil around the pan, a generous pinch of parsley, chopped garlic, and a splash of wine, and you can serve up a simple entrée over pasta or steamed veggie noodles in 10 minutes. They shine as a quick addition to a Manhattan clam chowder, and marry well with a bold curried coconut sauce – check out this Thai Red Curry Mussels recipe (https://www.pricechopper.com/recipes#/10969.) They also pack a nutrition punch as a good source of B12, selenium, zinc, and folate. Pier 33 mussels are a versatile and delicious way to add seafood to your day, and get you closer to the two servings per week recommended for good health. Check out other varieties in the frozen seafood case. Try today and save $1.00 off any TWO (2) Pier 33 Mussels with AdvantEdge e-Coupon through March 31^st! Don’t forget their fresh frozen salmon – quick to cook and easy to enjoy, lean protein and omega 3s will get you energized for spring!

Shingrix, The New Shingles Vaccine is Here!

Written by Kim DeMagistris, PharmD, RPh Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, Price Chopper/Market 32 Supermarkets You may have heard about the shingles vaccine and wondered, “Should I get this new vaccine?” or “Do I need the new vaccine if I already received Zostavax?” Shingles is a painful rash that develops in about 30% of people. As we get older our immune systems don’t work as well and because we have been exposed to chickenpox as kids, the virus is already inside us waiting to erupt as Shingles! The shingles rash usually presents with blisters and can be painful and itchy. Sometimes the rash will go away after a couple of weeks but some patients have lingering pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia. Other complications of Shingles can include blindness¹. Shingrix is now recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for patients 50 and older. Most patients born before 1968 will be eligible for this vaccine and if you have had Zostavax then you will need to be revaccinated with Shingrix! Shingrix is more effective than Zostavax and we now know that Zostavax boosts your immunity for only about five years. That means that after five years of receiving Zostavax, you may no longer be protected.² It is easy to be vaccinated! Just speak with your local Price Chopper/Market 32 Pharmacist for more information. Shingrix is given as a two dose series, which means you will get a second shot about two months after the first. When patients receive both doses of Shingrix, the vaccine is about 97% effective.³ Get vaccinated today! Click to see where the vaccine is offered. You can also learn more about all our Pharmacy+ services here. For more information about shingles and the Shingrix vaccine, check out the information below from the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html   References:

1. Immunization Action Coalition. Shingles (zoster): questions and answers. Information about the disease and vaccine. http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4221.pdf. (Accessed October 29, 2017).
2. Clinical Resource,Shingles Vaccine: FAQs. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. December 2017.
3. Product information for Shingrix. GlaxoSmithKline. Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. October 2017.

We ❤️ Pears in February

Ellie Wilson MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist

Savvy seasonal eaters know a great secret – the luscious pear is at its peak during the winter months. Different varieties offer flavor adventures and fresh opportunities for a fast, functional snack. Packing six grams of fiber, Vitamin C, and 5% of the daily recommendation for potassium, pears are a nutrition powerhouse. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend about 2 servings of fruit daily – if you are adding more fruit to your fresh approach to healthier eating, one pear gets you halfway there! “Pears ripen from the inside out, and play well with other produce that does the same in a basket on your kitchen counter, like bananas and avocados. Check the neck for ripeness by pressing near the stem with your thumb – if it gives to pressure that means it is ripe and ready for a lot of sweet enjoyment! Pears are a recipe sweetheart during American Heart Month – and have the American Heart Association Heart Check to prove it! Slice pears and dip in dark chocolate for a valentine treat, chop and top steel cut oatmeal and cinnamon for a breakfast with (heart) benefits, or poach in cranberry juice and kiss with cinnamon mascarpone cheese and chopped walnuts to delight someone special. (https://www.pricechopper.com/recipes#/9201).  Overripe pears are great for sauces and smoothies – “pear” them up with avocados and spinach for a snack attack smoothie bonanza. Find fresh promotions in stores throughout February, and learn more ways to enjoy more pears at USAPears (http://usapears.org/),

Drink to Your ❤️ Health

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist

  Did you know – your heart beats over 100,000 times per day? Something that works that hard for you needs good care and nutrition. Welch’s 100% Grape Juice can be part of your solution. Each glass is made with over 40 Concord grapes and delivers 250 mg of polyphenols – natural plant nutrients that help support a healthy heart. In fact, Welch’s 100% Grape Juice provides many of the same heart-health benefits as red wine. The small but mighty Concord grape is an original American “super” fruit. The first vines were successfully cultivated in 1849, in Concord, Massachusetts. While this grape can be hard to find fresh, Welch’s 100% Grape Juice is made with whole Concord grapes – skins, seeds and all – making it a great way to enjoy the heart-health benefits of this special grape anywhere, all year long.  According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 8 oz. of 100% grape juice counts as one cup (2 servings) of fruit. It is considered a healthy beverage choice with no added sugar. In a glass or as part of a delicious recipe – celebrate American Heart Month this February with the great taste and heart-health benefits of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice. Download Welch’s Recipe E-Book for variety of delicious recipes certified as heart-healthy by the American Heart Association®. And, bring home the super taste and super nutrition of Welch’s 100% Grape Juice, all at a super price!

New Year, New You

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist

Happy New Year! The New Year is a time for a fresh start, and many people put their energy into wellness for their families and themselves. Making a plan is usually easier than sticking to it, but we want to help you find success, and offer some solutions highlighted by New Year, New You shelf tags throughout the store. If more veggies are on your list, Fresh Express salads makes quick work of a salad for lunch or dinner. Add Tyson’s Grilled and Ready Chicken to round it out with some lean protein – a meal in less than 5 minutes that leaves you plenty of time for the gym. Another way to up the ante on vegetables and a secret weapon for weight loss is to sub soup for your sandwich. Well, Yes! Soups from Campbell’s are all new varieties that combine plant proteins, like white beans and lentils, with roasted chicken, whole grains, and vegetables in savory broth. Add them to your menu plan and keep one in your desk for busy days as a back-up plan. Breakfast is key to high energy and focus in the morning. In the Dairy case, find the shelf tags on 64 oz. Silk beverages or So Delicious Almond milk – they are a tasty base for breakfast smoothies. Pop the frozen Jimmy Dean Frittata in the microwave, and round it out with some delicious cut fruit from the Produce department. On the go, Muuna Cottage Cheese has some great flavors (MMMMango!) that travel well and are packed with 15 grams of protein, pieces of fruit and calcium. There is more in the store – find the New Year, New You shelf tags in the dairy, sports drinks and cereal/granola bars aisles. Enjoy a happy, healthy New Year!

Resolution Solution

Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN Senior Nutritionist

Happy, healthy New Year! Every January, I am asked to share the best ways to get started on a healthier lifestyle. My top picks are:

• Eat more seafood
• Eat more produce
• Drink more water

“More” is the key. Adding beneficial foods and practices is far easier than taking anything away, and more fun. Smart options throughout the store make it easy to keep your resolutions afloat and enjoy a great plate that is delicious and doable on your always busy days. Enjoying seafood twice per week is a powerful first step. Meal maker solutions in the Seafood department include Pier 33 Ocean Raised™ Salmon.  Frozen fresh, they will take you from tide to table quickly and easily. Single serving and family four packs are ready for dinner in less than 10 minutes! Add a fresh salad and you have upped the ante on both produce and water – water in produce is part of how we can improve water intake, a simple benefit bogo. Put salmon on the menu every week and you are half way to that two servings per week that are recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association. Nourish your family and teach your children well with lifelong food habits that support their good health. This family- friendly Asian Ginger Broiled Salmon https://www.pricechopper.com/recipes#/8866 is a great fit for a busy night. The e-coupon https://www.pricechopper.com/coupons#/?coupon_id=385534 makes this a smart start to healthy year!  www.pier33gourmet.com