Established in 1944, Harding s Friendly Markets is a retail chain of grocery stores that operates more than 30 locations throughout southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. The first Harding's store was opened in 1944 in Parchment, Mich. The company operates a meat department that features Tender Ridge Angus beef and Gerber s Real Amish Farm Country Chicken. Its stores also have a selection of national brand prepackaged products. Many Harding's stores operate full-service pharmacies that provide prescription refills. In addition, its stores maintain floral, deli and bakery departments. The company sponsors the Special Olympics of Kalamazoo County with an annual golf outing and auction. It also offers eScrip Community Cards, which raise funds for community services.