Recent figures look good for Lincoln-based supermarket chain B&R Stores. Trends are moving up, and B&R officials expect continued growth. But we’re not talking about gross sales or new stores. We’re talking about the company’s commitment to the community.

B&R Stores, including the Russ’s Market and Super Saver formats, has long been involved in a variety of worthy causes in Lincoln and other cities. The tradition originated with one of the founding partners Russ Raybould.

“We believe in supporting organizations that contribute to the well-being of our community,” said Pat Raybould, president of B&R Stores. “My father is retired now, but he set a great example for all of us at B&R Stores.” Vice president Jane Raybould agrees, “It’s about stewardship of our resources. We always strive to invest wisely in all areas of our business, and we apply that same philosophy to helping those in need.”

One natural partnership is with the Food Bank of Lincoln. Russ’s Market and Super Saver stores regularly donate food items and also support special food assistance projects like the BackPack Program, which delivers more than 2,500 food-filled backpacks to families in need in Lincoln and southeast Nebraska every week. The company also joined Smart Chicken® in a project that provided nearly 7,000 pounds of Smart Chicken® products to the food bank.

The recent “Pints for Pounds” campaign led to a donation of more than 2,100 pounds of food. The project was a partnership between Russ’s Market, the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, the Food Bank of Lincoln and Del Monte Foods. For every pint of blood donated during the last two weeks of March, a pound of food was donated to the food bank.

In just 3 years, the Lincoln Wine and Food Experience has grown into a major fundraiser for the Lincoln Community Playhouse. The event offers guests the opportunity to sample a wide variety of fine wines and food. The Wine and Food Experience raised more than $34,000 this year, and an associated silent auction added more than $7,000. The total amount raised over the last three years exceeds $90,000, and provides support for Lincoln Community Playhouse productions and educational programs.

When a devastating earthquake and tsunami recently struck Japan, B&R Stores stepped up to help the Cornhusker Chapter of the American Red Cross raise money to help those affected by the natural disaster. “Some of our customers actually came to us, asking if we could help collect donations for victims of the earthquake and tsunami,” said Pat Raybould. “We quickly put together a plan to make it convenient to give to the Red Cross relief fund.” Customers at the stores were given the opportunity to round up their totals at checkout, or add an amount of their choosing, to support the relief fund. The effort raised $13,680.

Local schools and churches received more than $144,000 in discounts from Russ’s Market and Super Saver stores through the School and Church Rebate Incentive Program (SCRIP). Groups participating in the program sell discounted gift cards to raise funds for their organizations.

B&R Stores encourages employees to get involved in their communities as well, and they don’t just talk the talk. In 2010, they literally walked the walk, leading all local corporate participants in the American Heart Association’s Lincoln Heart Walk.

The supermarket business has changed a lot since Russ Raybould started B&R Stores nearly 50 years ago. But the commitment to customers and community has remained a constant as the company has grown. It’s at the heart of this employee-owned business that now employees more than 2,000 people.

About B&R Stores, Inc.
B&R Stores, Inc., a Lincoln, Nebraska-based, employee-owned company, was founded in 1962 by Russ Raybould. During the past 49 years, the company has grown to include four store concepts (Russ’s Market, Super Saver, Save Best Foods and Grand Central Apple Market) located in seven cities across Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit brstores.com.

B&R Stores
4554 W St
Lincoln, NE 68503
www.brstores.com

Russ’s Market

www.russmarket.com

Super Saver
www.super-saver.com

Save Best Foods
www.savebestfoods.com

Grand Central Apple Market
www.myapplemarket.com