TROY, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Athletics and Hannaford Supermarkets are extending their partnership through the 2026-27 academic year, continuing a shared commitment to supporting the health, wellness and performance of RPI student-athletes.
As part of the partnership, Hannaford will directly supply products to the Hannaford Fueling Station, located in the East Campus Athletic Village (ECAV) on the RPI campus. The fueling station provides student-athletes with convenient access to nutritious food and beverages designed to support their pre-workout, training and recovery needs throughout their athletic seasons.
The Hannaford Fueling Station gives RPI student-athletes access to products they can incorporate into their daily routines, whether they are preparing for practice, competing on game day or recovering following training and competition.
"Our student - athletes manage an extraordinary combination of academic rigor, athletic preparation, competition, and service to the RPI community. Proper nutrition is essential to sustaining that commitment and to our work developing holistic student-athlete leaders. Hannaford understands the importance of helping people live healthier lives, and its support will allow us to make practical, meaningful investments in our student-athletes' performance, well-being, and lifelong growth." said Dr. Kristie Bowers, RPI Director of Athletics. "This partnership is about more than stocking a fueling station; it is about developing holistic student - athlete leaders and surrounding them with the resources and relationships they need to realize their full potential - in the classroom, in competition, and in their communities. We are grateful to Hannaford for investing in our people, sharing our commitment to excellence, and helping us build an even stronger student-athlete experience."
The partnership reflects Hannaford's continued commitment to supporting the communities it serves and RPI Athletics' ongoing investment in the overall student-athlete experience.
Located within the East Campus Athletic Village, the Hannaford Fueling Station serves as an important resource for RPI's varsity athletic programs, helping student-athletes stay fueled throughout demanding practice and competition schedules.
"Hannaford is proud to partner with RPI Athletics to help ensure student-athletes have access to high-quality food and beverages," said Ean Rose, Director of Operations at Hannaford Supermarkets. "Through this partnership, we're providing resources that support student-athletes in performing at their best both on and off the field while continuing to strengthen the communities we serve.
The partnership will continue through the 2026-27 academic year, with Hannaford products remaining an integral part of the fueling station and the resources available to RPI student-athletes.
About RPI Athletics
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Athletics supports more than 500 student-athletes competing across NCAA Division I and Division III programs. RPI Athletics is committed to providing a comprehensive student-athlete experience that emphasizes academic achievement, competitive excellence, health and wellness, leadership and personal development.
About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets is a leading regional grocer operating 188 stores in the Northeast, most with full-service pharmacies. Since 1883, Hannaford has been dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality food with care, while creating "more good" in its communities. Guided by its purpose to cultivate thriving communities, Hannaford continues to build on its commitment to uncommon care by supporting local community partners, being the most welcoming place to work and shop, and taking thoughtful steps to protect the planet for future generations. In 2025, Hannaford donated nearly 29 million pounds of food to hunger relief organizations and supported approximately 145 community partners across its footprint, helping expand access to fresh food, advance youth development, and support healthier lives. Headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, with stores in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, Hannaford employs nearly 30,000 associates. Additional information can be found at Hannaford.com.
