Sponsored content by Mary McHugh, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer

2024 marks 85 years since Schnucks was founded as a 1,000-square-foot corner confectionery in North St. Louis. For eight and a half decades, Schnucks has been on a mission to nourish people's lives and make a positive impact on the communities it serves. Known as "The Friendliest Stores in Town" because of their customer service, value and high-quality products, the grocer has always been dedicated to the many communities that it calls home.

What makes Schnucks special is the giving spirit of its dedicated teammates who go above and beyond the friendliness and great customer service shoppers know when visiting stores. Approximately 12,000 Schnucks teammates serving in stores, offices, and logistics and production facilities contribute thousands of hours each year to support nonprofit organizations.

"Schnucks cares! It's why nourishing people's lives is at the heart of everything we do. In addition to serving our customers and their families, we have an important responsibility to nourish communities -- especially during the holiday season," said Schnucks Director of Community Engagement and Customer Care Schron Jackson. "We are proud to partner with nonprofit organizations that are working to strengthen our communities and are aligned with our community pillars of fighting hunger and food insecurity, and workforce development."

In 2024, the company's work with St. Louis nonprofit Operation Food Search -- a partner for more than 40 years -- provided Thanksgiving meals to more than 1,000 families in need, and last year alone, the grocer's support of Operation Food Search exceeded $15 million of in-kind contributions. Schnucks products and gift cards were also donated to the St. Patrick Center and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, which helped feed an additional 3,000 families this holiday season. "We are so grateful to Schnuck Markets for their long-standing commitment to ensuring children, families and individuals will have nutritious meals during the holiday season," said Kristen Wild, President and CEO of Operation Food Search.

Every holiday season, Schnucks is also honored to continue its decade-long partnership with The Salvation Army. Over the years, The Salvation Army has become a welcome mainstay at Schnucks' checkouts, through an annual "Round Up at the Register" campaign, and entrances where customers generously give to the bell ringers and their iconic red kettles. In addition to providing numerous volunteers, the company is also making its annual toy donation to the Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Town that will be distributed to area children in time for Christmas.

Throughout the year, the grocer consistently demonstrates generosity. For 20-year customer Mary S. of St. Louis, Schnucks has played a significant role in nourishing her and her family's lives. She singled out the Des Peres, Missouri store's deli manager who helps her find items for her brother, who suffers from food allergies, and also helped cater her daughter's wedding. "I have a deep gratitude for all the love and kindness the employees have extended to me and my family through the years," Mary said.

Recently, a couple near Evansville, Indiana, was celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Their six children came to Schnucks to order a cake for the party. The bakery manager, Samantha Cowan, asked her manager and received approval to donate the cake to the couple. After the celebration, Samantha received a thank you card from the family for being so thoughtful. The family wrote, "Not only was the cake the best-tasting cake we ever had, but we were just shocked about your kindness of the donation ... in today's world we need this."

As customers change, Schnucks changes to meet their needs. As the neighborhoods they serve grow, Schnucks grows with them. With the past as a predictor of the future, we can continue to count on ongoing growth and change at Schnucks. However, two things will never change -- Schnucks' recognition that their customers and communities are their reason for being and the company's unwavering commitment to nourishing people's lives, both in and beyond the store.

Thank you, Schnucks, for 85 years of serving St. Louis, and here's to at least 85 more.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact [email protected].