Founded in 1939, Schnucks is one of the largest privately held grocery store chains in the United States. It operates more than 100 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Mississippi and Iowa. Schnucks underwent a major expansion in 1995 when it purchased the National Supermarkets chain from Loblaws. Some of the stores feature pharmacies, ticket outlets for the St. Louis Cardinals and digital photo processing services. Its stores sell groceries, meat, fruit, vegetables, party trays, gifts, novelties and wines. Its deli department offers gourmet food, pasta, salads, sliced cheese, snacks and various dishes made of chicken, pork and beef. The company supports various social organizations that foster health and wellness, civic progress, education and quality of life. Headquartered in St. Louis, the company employs more than 16,000 associates. It maintains a location in Cape Girardeau, Mo.