Can a grocery store contribute to a student’s education? By: Cory Hart

Grocery Store Details To find more about this topic, I interviewed two managers from a store in Grants Pass. The store is part of a larger chain. As we had our discussion, the two managers were very helpful in finding ways in which their stores, and similar stores, might work with elementary schools for the benefit of the students. As a courtesy to the managers I interviewed, I will leave their names and the store anonymous, as per their request.

Field Trips The store I visited hosts school field trips in a school year, at one branch of the store alone. Student ages range from preschool to fifth graders. The store has a pre-arranged schedule for the field trip, including visits to the bakery, deli, shipping area, produce area and registers. The tour guide covers the food pyramid, and how various products fit into it. The field trips can also include, as requested by a teacher, other concepts, such as counting back change.

Community Service Collaboration If a school wishes to arrange a community service event, such as a canned food drive, the store I visited was more than willing to provide space for such a project. I was informed however, that this is usually an undertaking for high school students, and would require much more organization at an elementary school level.

Other Contributions to Education When asked about any other ways their stores collaborate with schools, I was told about ways in which the chain of stores raises money for education: Selling items which donate a portion of their cost to schools, such as products labeled with “Box Tops.” Direct donations from the store to local schools.

Conclusion Grocery stores can make for an unexpected but valuable resource to a schools education programs, or as support for the school and surrounding community. If your school doesn’t already, I suggest speaking with managers at surrounding grocery stores about opportunities for collaboration to benefit students and the community.

References Barbour C., Barbour N., & Scully P.(2011). Families, Schools, and Communities. New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc. ________, Manager of a local grocery store, in Grants Pass Oregon.