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Jewel-Osco Celebrates Black History Month with Special Program Honoring African-American Entrepreneurs

In addition to numerous in-store sampling events featuring African-American vendor products, JEWEL-OSCO will host a private reception from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, at Chicago's South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. Guests will sample a variety of soul-stirring dishes prepared using African-American vendor products.

As part of the reception, NBC 5 Chicago entertainment reporter LeeAnn Trotter and WVON 1690 AM radio show host Matt McGill will emcee a special presentation, during which JEWEL-OSCO will award a total of $20,000 in grants to four community organizations:

1. Martin Temple A.M.E. Zion Church-Hunger Relief Award for its Spoonful of Hope Soup Kitchen
2. Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church-Hunger Relief Award for its Community Table Food Pantry
3. GreenNet Chicago-Environmental Stewardship Award
4. Girls in the Game-Nutrition Education Award

The presentation will also include an opening performance by the "Black on Black Love Inspirational Choir." Black on Black Love is a not-for-profit organization working to break the cycle of violence by providing positive alternatives.

Meanwhile, Angelica's Bakery will receive the JEWEL-OSCO 2012 "Vendor of the Year Award" for its outstanding work in brand development and marketing.

"Our African-American vendors are important members of the JEWEL-OSCO family, and they are vital to our success," said Brian Huff, president of JEWEL-OSCO. "We want to thank them for helping us meet the diverse needs of our customers every day, and we hope consumers recognize that by purchasing African-American vendor products they are supporting these wonderful entrepreneurs."

Celebrations and tastings throughout the month of February at select JEWEL-OSCO stores will give customers an opportunity to become more familiar with the company's African-American vendor product offerings. These events are open to the public and will take place at the following locations:

Following Black History Month, JEWEL-OSCO will continue to raise awareness of its African-American vendor products with special offers throughout the entire year, including in-store tastings, exciting sweepstakes and promotions and additional events during the summer, all to celebrate African-American culture.

About JEWEL-OSCO
JEWEL-OSCO, a SUPERVALU company, operates 181 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. With a market-leading position in Chicago, JEWEL-OSCO stores offer consumers the convenience of retail grocery and pharmacy services. Originally established in 1899, the company and its associates remain committed to the communities they serve. For more information about JEWEL-OSCO, visit www.jewelosco.com or www.jeweloscopharmacies.com.

Captivate Marketing Group
David Dodd, 773-501-9230
david@captivatemarketinggroup.com