We all might have a new reason to smile when grocery shopping, as McArthur’s Bakery and Schnucks Markets will be sharing the joy of Smiley Face Cookies Co. cookies at 77 Schnucks locations across the region starting soon. The large round smiley cookies have been a staple at the Pioneer Bakery in Kirkwood, Missouri, which is a collaboration concept between McArthur’s Bakery and Lafayette Industries’ StepUp program, offering food service and job training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"Our StepUp team members decorate each oversized butter cookie with great care and truly love their jobs," said McArthur's Bakery owner Scott Rinaberger. "We are happy to bring these special cookies and their job-training mission to a much bigger audience through Schnucks." The StepUp program through Lafayette Industries allows individuals to learn long term social and professional skills through innovation curriculum created by experience special educators in both classroom and business environments.
“We are excited that Schnucks is able to help local companies like McArthur's bring their delicious products to our customers and thrilled to support their mission of helping adults with intellectual disabilities maximize their abilities," said Janell Schleeper, Schnucks Bakery Category Manager. "Each delicious cookie is individually decorated with a smile by a McArthur's employee, and it warms my heart to think about all the smiles that, together, we will bring to our customers."