As an early backer of the new Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, S.C., Bi-Lo Charities not only donated $500,000 toward the project, but has also set up a miniature version of a Bi-Lo store at the site, enabling children to learn how to be smart shoppers while playing in the scaled-down supermarket.

Bi-Lo’s child-size store features digital checkout scanners, a deli/bakery and butcher counter, and shelves bearing items under the grocer’s private label Southern Home brand. The exhibit, which debuted when the Children’s Museum of the Upstate opened its doors July 31, allows young visitors to find out about household budgeting, creating healthy menus and compiling shopping lists, as well as permitting kids to play the part of a butcher or the baker working behind the counter. Each child also receives his or her own Bi-Lo BONUSCARD® made especially for the museum.

“Since we focus so much of our efforts on children and education in our community, we were quite eager to be a part of the Children’s Museum,” noted Carol Browning, executive director of Bi-Lo Charities, which focuses on children and education, among other causes. “It is great to know that kids are enjoying themselves when they visit that part of the museum, and it gives us a real sense of pride to know that they are learning real-life skills while having fun.”

“Our Bi-Lo Market is one of the museum’s most popular exhibits!” enthused museum president and CEO Carol Scott. “The kids love putting the items in their carts and scanning them for prices at checkout. Additionally, this exhibit gives us multiple educational programming opportunities on subjects like nutrition, healthy food choices and family budgets.”

Founded in 1998, Bi-Lo Charities runs Bi-Lo’s extensive charitable giving programs, including the annual Bi-Lo Charity Classic golf tournament. Based in Mauldin, S.C., Bi-Lo operates 214 supermarkets and employs about 15,500 people.