Founded in 1954, Lowe's Food Stores operates a chain of more than 110 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Its stores operate through meat, seafood, deli and bakery departments, as well as offer natural food items and supplements. The company's stores also sell kitchenware, groceries, food bags, pet supplies, and body care, paper and plastic products. Its stores provide reward programs and online recipes and shopping options, as well as offer gift cards of several denominations that can be redeemed at any of its locations. Lowe's Food Stores supports various nonprofit organizations through donations for eliminating hunger, promoting good nutrition and educating children. With more than 8,000 employees, the company is owned by a food distributor, Alex Lee, which also operates Merchant Distributors, Institution Food House and Consolidation Services. Lowe's Food Stores' brands include the Top Care, Full Circle, and World Classics Trading Company.