As students and teachers begin another school year, Food City continues its commitment to education, investing millions of dollars in schools throughout the communities it serves. This week, we share support for Lenoir City Schools.

Lenoir City High School in Lenoir City TN: Paul Press Assistant Principal; Christy Mowrey School Librarian; Jessica Everett Principal; Jessica Lane Food City Human Relations Coordinator; Matt Palko Food City Store Manager; Heather Bowen, Assistant Principal; Chris Brittain, Assistant Principal; Brandon Clive, Assistant Principal

Through its annual School Bucks program, Food City is distributing $800,000 to more than 1,000 participating schools from the 2025-26 program. Company officials are currently presenting checks to schools across the grocery chain’s market area.

“Food City is committed to supporting the education of our youth,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “Our School Bucks Program provides much-needed support to schools across our market area. Since the program’s inception, we’ve awarded more than $24.5 million to participating schools.”

And the commitment is continuing. Food City has pledged another $800,000 for the upcoming school year through the 2026-27 School Bucks Challenge.

The program gives customers the opportunity to support their school of choice simply by doing their regular grocery shopping. Customers earn 1 School Bucks point for every dollar spent with their Food City ValuCard. Funds are distributed based on the percentage of customer purchases credited to each participating school.

This year, Food City has added another way for shoppers to help schools accumulate points. During designated Spirit Weeks, customers can earn bonus points by purchasing participating items.

The 2026-27 School Bucks Challenge began July 1 and continues through April 30, 2027. Customers must link their ValuCard to their preferred school at Food City’s School Bucks website to ensure their purchases count toward that school. Participating schools can also track their progress online.

For more information, customers can contact their local school, visit the Food City School Bucks website, or contact the School Bucks Coordinator, Lisa Johnson, at 1-800-232-0174.

For Food City, School Bucks represents more than an annual check presentation. With more than $24.5 million awarded since the program began and another $800,000 committed this year, it is an ongoing investment in the schools and students in the communities Food City serves.

Betsi James is the special events manager for the Food City Knoxville division.

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