SCHNUCK ROLLS OUT RECIPE, COUPON KIOSKS

ST. LOUIS -- Schnuck Markets here is offering a helping hand to frenzied shoppers, with computerized recipe centers in its produce departments.

ng new meal ideas, according to the chain. "Schnuck's has a philosophy of keeping at the forefront of technology," said Marie Casey, a spokeswoman for the chain. The centers print out free recipes and coupons for certain brand-name items in some recipes. The National Potato Promotion Board, based in Denver, is a major sponsor of the kiosks during the month of March. While the board is sponsoring similar kiosks in more than 300 other stores during March and April, the kiosks in Schnuck stores will remain in place year-round. Other sponsors for the Schnucks Recipe Centers include Sunkist, Sherman Oaks, Calif., and Nabisco Brands, East Hanover, N.J.

The recipes are grouped into 14 categories, which include "Last Minute Wonders," "Kid Pleasers," "One-Dish Meals" and "Casual Entertaining." Each category features eight different recipes and the recipes are changed monthly.

CompuCook, based in San Francisco, manufactures the recipe centers. An official with the company said the kiosks were placed in the produce departments at Schnuck because many of the recipes feature fresh fruits and vegetables as components.

CompuCook customizes recipe centers for supermarkets across the country, according to the official. Other chains that offer the recipe centers include Sutton Place Gourmet, Vons Pavilions, Dominick's Finer Foods, Safeway, Kroger and H.E. Butt Grocery Co. The majority of supermarkets place the recipe centers in the produce department, the official said.