Kroger Launches Campaign to Help Combat Food Insecurity
Kroger encourages its customers to join the fight against hunger by rounding up their purchases, raising awareness about food insecurity while assisting those in need.
Hunger Action Month
Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is excited to kick off its annual Hunger Action Month campaign, directing all funds raised in its Family of Stores throughout September to Feeding America's extensive network of food banks. Shoppers can easily contribute by rounding up their purchase totals to the nearest dollar at their neighborhood store, helping local families who are facing hunger.
The Movement to End Hunger
Hunger Action Month is a crucial time each year for increasing awareness and rallying support to combat hunger. Since 2017, Kroger has facilitated over 3.4 billion meals to reach those in need. With a bold goal of donating 10 billion meals by 2030, this mission is truly impactful. Kroger continues to work closely with Feeding America, enhancing its commitment through annual charitable donations and surplus fresh food.
Community Engagement and Support
Keith Dailey, Kroger's Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasizes that food is essential to community health. He notes, "We are inspired every day by the generosity and passion of our customers and associates. Together, we can find solutions to hunger, which is a challenge we cannot tackle alone." This statement embodies the spirit of collaboration that defines Kroger.
Significant Contributions to Feeding America
This year alone, Kroger has contributed an impressive $3 million to Feeding America, through both company and customer support. Last year, during Hunger Action Month, the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation raised nearly $600,000 for the food bank network, amplifying its impact on community welfare.
Local Initiatives Across Divisions
Kroger divisions across the country are taking part in local events to celebrate Hunger Action Month and support Feeding America's food banks:
- Dallas Division: This division is engaging in a Volunteer-a-Thon and sponsoring the North Texas Food Bank's Peanut Butter Drive, aiming to collect $300,000 and gather 100,000 pounds of peanut butter for families in need.
- Cincinnati/Dayton Division: Donating $15,000 to The Sam Hubbard Foundation, this division supports Hubbard's Cupboards, a program that has greatly expanded its reach in local schools.
- Mid-Atlantic Division: For the sixth consecutive year, they are supporting local food banks with a Peanut Butter Drive, inviting customers to donate this valuable protein source.
The alarming fact that 44 million people in the U.S., including 1 in 5 children, lack consistent access to food highlights the urgency of Kroger's mission. Since launching the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan, Kroger has pledged $1.5 billion toward hunger relief efforts, which includes nearly 700 million pounds of surplus food donations.
Raising Awareness Through Media
Kroger has released a powerful Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commercial this summer to boost hunger awareness, inviting customers to join in the mission of eliminating hunger in communities.
About Kroger
At Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), our mission is to nourish the human spirit. With almost 420,000 associates, we serve more than 11 million customers each day through our various retail operations. We are committed to inspiring food resilience in communities while fostering #ZeroHungerZeroWaste initiatives. To learn more about our commitments and community efforts, visit our online newsroom and investor relations site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hunger Action Month?
Hunger Action Month is a national campaign that focuses on raising awareness and encouraging actions to end hunger.
How can customers get involved?
Customers can get involved by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar in Kroger stores during the month of September.
How much has Kroger donated to Feeding America?
This year, Kroger has donated $3 million to Feeding America and raised nearly $600,000 during last year's Hunger Action Month.
What local initiatives is Kroger participating in?
Kroger divisions are organizing various local events, including food drives and donations, throughout the nation to support local food banks.
Why is food security important?
Food security is essential for community health, wellbeing, and equality, impacting millions of people, including children, across the United States.