Market 32, Price Chopper Help Local Families

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32 and Price Chopper have launched a series of actions to help local families who may be struggling to put food on the table. 
 
The neighborhood grocer's multi-pronged hunger relief efforts will deliver extra food savings; quickly drive resources to food banks, food pantries and human services organizations; engage farmers and food producers; and provide nutritious meal recipes that prioritize affordability.
 
"Lots of families across the six states we serve are having a hard time making ends meet, especially now. We're determined to do our part to help," said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper.  "Grocery stores are at the heart of a complex food system that families, farmers, food producers and food banks all rely on. It comes with great responsibility – one we take to heart – which is why we're mobilizing resources and partners to provide some relief, support and stability."
 
After analyzing customer purchase data, Market 32 and Price Chopper have identified several products that are both high-demand and high-value across shelf-stable, frozen, and fresh food categories. These everyday grocery items will now be eligible for increased savings and discounts for customers. The limited-time incremental savings and offers will feature almost 30 items, including:
 
  • Large White Dozen Grade A Eggs, $1.49
  • PICS Brand Pasta select varieties, $1.00
  • Francesco Rinaldi Pasta Sauce, three for $5.00
  • Avocados, $1.00
  • Red or Green Grapes, 2 lb package, $5.00
  • Thomas' English Muffins, buy one get two free
  • Sea Best Breaded Shrimp, buy one get two free
  • Market 32 Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts, buy one get one free
  • Quaker Instant Oatmeal, General Mills and Kellogg's Large Size Cereal, buy one get one
  • And several more family-filling food items — with all sales, flyers and eCoupons
These discounts will remain in place through November 8, in addition to previously planned savings on many more items.
 
Market 32 and Price Chopper also continue to help extend the spending power of those who may need it most through benefit partnerships with Optum Financial and NationsBenefits, which allow eligible customers to use their S3 benefits cards and other participating health benefit plans to purchase nutritious foods and essential wellness products.
 
The grocer is also finalizing its Thanksgiving savings program—which will be designed to balance abundance and affordability—with more details to be announced soon.
 
Market 32 and Price Chopper are mobilizing their workforce and partnering with their generous, loyal customers to meet urgent needs. From now through January 3, 2026, all 129 Market 32 and Price Chopper locations are participating in the "Fill a Plate with Hope for the Holidays" donation drive. Customers can purchase $10 pre-packed bags of items most needed by local food banks and pantries—all meal essentials and pantry staples. Each bag will be donated directly to an organization within the store's own community.
 
For every four bags of food purchased by customers, Market 32 and Price Chopper will donate a fifth bag—up to 10,000 bags, representing a contribution of $100,000 in donated food.
 
The company's store teammates will be prioritizing the expedited movement of all donated food to local food banks and pantries. This accelerated effort supplements the impact made every day through Market 32 and Price Chopper's Fresh Recovery program, which provides daily donations of unsold, fresh food to local food banks. This program has led to the donation of 22 million pounds of food since its launch, inspiring the company to now pursue a new goal of saving 15 percent more food each month to meet the growing demand. This year, the company's hunger relief programs have already provided more than 1,940,000 meals across its six-state footprint.
 
To boost local relief efforts, Market 32 and Price Chopper have directed $10,000 to the United Way of the Greater Capital Region's Government Shutdown Relief Fund, and they are working closely with local and state officials across its footprint to fulfill immediate needs, including facilitating bulk purchases of grocery gift cards—at a discount—for distribution by local human services organizations.
 
Market 32 and Price Chopper have built longstanding, trusted relationships with farmers, food producers and suppliers. In difficult moments, they work together to identify opportunities to collaborate and help local communities.
 
For example, close partnerships with regional farmers will ensure Market 32 and Price Chopper can provide the freshest produce at the best value for seasonal staples like squash, pumpkins, apples and more. These local partnerships also help keep dollars circulating through local economies and ensure a more stable, resilient food system.
 
The company is now working with producers and suppliers to discuss additional savings, limited-time offers and charitable partnerships to support families and communities through the holidays.
 
Throughout the year, culinary experts at Market 32 and Price Chopper curate recipes for nutritious meals that can feed families and/or stretch for multiple days. Explore high-value, high-taste recipes at pricechopper.com/recipes
 
"The local needs are urgent right now—but sadly food insecurity is not a new challenge for our communities. Because we've been working on this issue for so long, we have the right partners in place to mobilize a fast response," Bringhurst added. "We are grateful to our customers and community partners for their generosity in joining us to fight hunger and make sure every family has enough to eat.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.
 
On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.
 
"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says. 
 
Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.
 
As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ. 
 
Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.
 
"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said. 
 
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