Associated Food Stores, founded in 1940, is a cooperatively owned wholesale distributor to more than 600 independently owned supermarkets in over five U.S. states. The company ships nearly 750 truckloads of groceries weekly. It employs a staff of approximately 1,000 people. Associated Food Stores offers real estate analysis, market research, printing, and buying, merchandising, space and category management services. The company provides retail counseling, technology, accounting, marketing and advertising options. In addition, Associated Food Stores offers store engineering, design and insurance services.