Kroger Named "Grocery Retailer of the Year"

CINCINNATI -- The Kroger Co. was named "Grocery Retailer of the Year" by America's Second Harvest, the Nation's Food Bank Network. It is the third time in the past five years that Kroger has received the award.

Kroger and its retail divisions, which include 2,500 supermarkets and nearly 800 convenience stores operating under a number of brands, were honored for their "outstanding support" of America's Second Harvest food banks across the country. Among the criteria used by the selection committee were product donations, technical assistance, funding, food drives and volunteer efforts. Food bank members of the America's Second Harvest Network nominated Kroger for the award.

"Kroger provides tremendous support to our network. They have a genuine commitment to help us feed millions of Americans who are hungry or at risk of hunger," said Bob Forney, president and CEO of America's Second Harvest.

Kroger's retail divisions work with more than 40 regional food banks around the country that are affiliated with America's Second Harvest. The company consistently ranks as one of the largest retail contributors of food and grocery products to the non-profit organization.

In the past five years, Kroger has provided nearly 120 million pounds of product -- valued at roughly $160 million -- to the America's Second Harvest Network.

"Their contributions to us -- including donations of product, funds and food drives -- cannot be overstated," said Forney.

"Kroger is proud to support America's Second Harvest in the movement to end hunger in America," said David B. Dillon, Kroger chairman and CEO. "Our associates are involved with food banks in almost every community where we operate. They are the reason why America's Second Harvest food banks recognized Kroger as the leading retail partner in their efforts to feed hungry children, families and seniors."

In recent years, Kroger has expanded its partnership with America's Second Harvest through the "Grocery Alliance" program. Under this program, Kroger retail divisions work more closely with food banks and food-rescue organizations in their local communities to generate greater awareness of hunger relief programs, share best practices in raising food donations and seek new donation opportunities through a variety of activities.

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds