Rouses Donates $50K to Interactive Grocery Exhibit

Rouses Markets is donating $50,000 for an interactive grocery exhibit at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum (BCCM) in the grocer’s hometown of Thibodaux, La. The museum installation, to be called Rouses Farmers Market, will feature Cajun recipes and mini grocery carts for kids to fill with seafood, fruits and vegetables indigenous to the bayou region, along with other items available at the grocery chain.

“This is a fun, hand-on exhibit that teaches children about food and where it comes from,” noted Donny Rouse of Rouses Markets, which employs 5,200 people and operate 38 locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. “Buying local and education are two core values for Rouses, so this is a perfect fit.” A new parent himself, Rouse believes the facility will be an important part of early-childhood education in the area. “It’s great to have a children’s museum of this caliber right here in Thibodaux,” he added.

“When we sought a sponsor for the Farmers Market, we knew we wanted Rouses,” said Christy Naquin, executive director of the museum.

Construction on the 12,700-square-foot site began in November 2011. As well as housing 50 unique exhibits highlighting the industry, agriculture, environment and Cajun culture of south Louisiana, the nonprofit museum will incorporate party rooms, meeting space, a small theater, a gift shop and picnic areas. Located near Nicholls State University, the BCCM is designed act as an extension of the classroom for local children ages 2 to 12, with exhibits corresponding to the GLEs (Grade Level Expectations) for area schools.