Schnuck Markets ‘rounds up’ at the register for coronavirus relief

Schnuck Markets Inc.​ is launching a “Round Up at the Register” campaign to enable customers to donate to the United Way to support those experiencing hardships due to COVID-19.

The 113-store chain based in St. Louis announced Thursday that Schnucks customers who choose to donate can round up the price of their grocery purchases to the nearest dollar, with 100% of funds raised going directly to the United Way and staying in the community in which they are donated. The Round Up will run Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 19.

“In the past few days, many of our customers have asked us to activate a Round Up at the Register so they can help support those in our community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are humbled by their generosity,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “In determining with whom we would partner, there was one obvious choice, the United Way. Schnucks has a proud, long-standing partnership with the United Way, and during this time of crisis and uncertainty, this Round Up is an opportunity for our customers to support neighbors who are experiencing job losses, impacts on housing and child care and other hardships as a result of COVID-19. We know that by coming together we can continue to nourish the lives of those in the communities we serve.”

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The new program follows last week’s donation of $500,000 to the St. Louis COVID-19 Regional Response Fund to support those in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area who are experiencing hardship due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Schnucks also announced an additional $105,000 donation to support COVID-19 relief and response in other areas outside of the St. Louis region where the grocer serves customers. Those funds will be split among several United Way agencies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

“Through many crisis situations over the last eight decades, Schnucks has nourished people’s lives by supporting our communities, and in these unprecedented times, we want to be a part of helping to make sure that those who are most in need and who are experiencing the most significant hardship are able to get assistance,” said Schnuck. “When businesses and nonprofits work together, we can make a difference in bridging the gap for many of those who are in the midst of uncertainty due to the rippling impacts of COVID-19.”

The St. Louis COVID-19 Regional Response Fund was created and funded by a coalition of area foundations, businesses, and individual donors assembled by the St. Louis Community Foundation, and modeled after a similar effort launched by the Seattle Foundation. The intent of the fund is to quickly make targeted grants to nonprofits already serving vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19.

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In addition to Schnucks’ monetary donations, this week Schnucks began donating hundreds of sack lunches to St. Vincent DePaul Parish, one of many organizations that serves the St. Louis area’s homeless population. Schnucks’ corporate cafeteria staff is preparing the portable meals. Schnucks annually donates more than $16 million in food to pantries and nonprofits that work to serve those who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity. 

Schnucks also continues to offer employment opportunities to those who may be out of work due to COVID-19 related business closures. To date, the company has hired more than 500 temporary workers.

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