Schnucks contributes $100K to schools to support virtual learning

St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets Inc. on Tuesday announced a $100,000 donation to ease the technology crisis in St. Louis public schools and two charter schools — KIPP and Premier Charter — as many students return to classes virtually in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many students of these schools attending classes virtually this fall are without access to the technology tools needed for virtual learning. The St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) Foundation will receive $50,000 from Schnucks, with each of the charter schools receiving $25,000.

“At Schnucks, we understand the difficulties that the pandemic has caused as well as the changes in operations that it has required,” said Schnucks director of corporate external relations Schron Jackson. “Our commitment to those in need, especially children, in our home market of St. Louis remains steadfast and part of our company’s mission to nourish people’s lives and help strengthen the communities we serve.”

Schnucks Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Bill Bradley presents a check to St. Louis Public Schools representative Emily Zevely.

The funds will primarily be used to supply students with iPads and laptops as well as provide wireless hotspots to families who need them to ensure equitable access to the internet.

“It was critical that we started the school year with the technology students needed to fully engage in learning. Thanks to donors like Schnucks, we’ve been able to provide headphones, laptops or iPads to 21,000 St. Louis Public Schools students,” said SLPS Foundation president Jane Donahue. “We are grateful to partners like Schnucks for helping us equip all students with the tools they need to succeed.”

Related:Schnuck Markets reinforces ties to community with new store announcement

Schnucks operates 112 stores, serving customers in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Schnucks has stepped up in a variety of ways in the communities it serves. Early on, the retailer donated more than $600,000 to COVID-19 relief and response in St. Louis and other midwestern markets. The company also launched a “Round Up at the Register” campaign in April to enable customers to donate to the United Way to support those experiencing hardships due to COVID-19.

In other community initiatives, Schnucks donated hundreds of sack lunches to St. Vincent DePaul Parish, one of many organizations that serves the St. Louis area’s homeless population; helped bring high school graduation ceremonies to St. Louis high school students whose traditional graduations were canceled due to COVID-19; and partnered with local restaurants whose businesses were disrupted by the pandemic to offer menu items at Schnucks stores.

Related:Schnuck Markets grows Local Grab and Go program with Black-owned restaurants

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