‘Positive environment’ of Gabriel’s Supermarket cited in award BY JAMES SCHLETT Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter James Schlett at 395-3040 or jschlett@dailygazette.net.
“My mother brought me up the right way.” That’s Jeff Gabriele’s explanation for why he respectfully treats his customers at Gabriel’s Supermarket, regardless of whether they are disabled or pay with food stamps. That also might explain why Gabriel’s independent supermarket today will receive a U.S. Department of Agriculture award, which only two other grocers nationwide will receive. Gabriel’s, which has stores in Rotterdam and Scotia, will receive the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Golden Grocer Award. The Nutrition Consortium of New York State, a nonprofit organization that promotes anti-hunger initiatives, nominated Gabriel’s for the award. In nominating the chain, with roots dating to 1956 in Rotterdam, the Albany group cited Gabriel’s “positive environment” for all customers. It also noted the grocer’s homedelivery service for elderly and home-bound customers plus its weekly discount specials and locally grown produce. “They’re doing something the larger chains do, but they do it at community level and in an affordable way,” said Nutrition Consortium Executive Director Linda Bopp said. Gabriele would not specify how much of how his stores’ sales stem from people participating in the Food Stamp Program. But he did say, “It’s a good portion. I’ve got no complaints. It’s an important part of my business.” Gabriele said business stemming from that program has increased substantially since electronic benefit cards replaced food stamps in 2001. “People living on food stamps are people who have jobs. They just might have fi ve or six kids. It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” said Gabriele. In New York, the Food Stamp Program provides $2.1 billion annually in benefi ts and helps feed 1.8 million people each month. The USDA has bolstered its promotion of the Food Stamp Program to increase participation, prompting the 2006 rollout of the Golden Grocer Award. The Golden Grocer Award ceremony starts at 11 a.m. at the Gabriel’s on Mohawk Avenue in Scotia. Other grocers receiving the award are located in San Antonio, Texas, and New Haven, Conn.
Good for them! I get my meat from there sometimes and along with the service, their meat is always great! And so it their produce. And actually for what is considered to be a small grocery store, their prices are pretty reasonable.
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