Jewel-Osco celebrates Black History with Chicago events

ITASCA, Ill. — Jewel-Osco announced that it is celebrating Black History Month this February with the company’s 14th annual “A Taste of Black History” program.

The initiative will kick off with a VIP shopping event for customers on Jan. 24 at the Jewel-Osco at 1655 E. 95th St., in Chicago. “A Taste of Black History” customer tasting events will continue throughout February at select stores.

The kickoff event will feature live music by Chicago band Zzaje’ and an appearance by celebrity chef Josh Marks, who was the runner-up on the third season of the FOX reality cooking show “MasterChef.”

In addition, the retailer will donate a total of $10,000 to three community organizations, including Chicago’s St. Felicitas Church Food Pantry and Grant A Wish Food Pantry, which were chosen for their commitment to hunger relief.

“‘A Taste of Black History’ gives us an opportunity to thank our African-American vendors for everything they do for our company and our customers,” said Jewel-Osco president Brian Huff. “This outstanding group of business men and women plays an important role in our success, and we hope consumers realize that when they purchase African-American vendor products they are supporting these wonderful entrepreneurs.”