Kroger commits US$3m to help combat food insecurity during COVID-19 pandemic

USA – The Kroger Company, America’s largest grocery retailer through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, has announced a US$3 million commitment to rapidly deploy hunger-relief resources to communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Established in 2018, the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation was formed to support initiatives that create communities free of hunger and waste.

The Foundation has partnered with the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, Feeding America and No Kid Hungry, a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty.

Kroger said that it will distribute the US$3 million commitment equally between the Foundation’s nonprofit partners, Feeding America and No Kid Hungry.

The retailer noted that the funding will not only support local food banks nationwide, but also fund initiatives that ensure children, whose schools may be closed, still have access to nutritious meals.

“Our most urgent mission is to be here for our customers when they need us most, and our store, warehouse, distribution, food production and office associates are working around the clock to keep our stores open for our customers,” said Keith Dailey, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs.

“We’re also mindful that the coronavirus pandemic may result in more of our neighbors struggling with food insecurity during this challenging time – and we want to help.

“That is why The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation is directing US$3 million, its largest commitment to date, to rapidly deploy hunger-relief resources to food-insecure communities across the country.”

Tom Nelson, president and CEO of Share Our Strength added: “In partnership with The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, No Kid Hungry is actively funding emergency grants to food banks and nonprofit groups in the hardest-hit communities, helping families know how to find meals while schools are closed and ensuring every child has access to three meals a day.”