INDIANAPOLIS – Kroger and The Kroger Family of Companies announced a commitment to raise $1 million for families impacted by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region.
“We strive to fulfill our purpose, to feed the human spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes,” said Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger. “Our associates are always among the first to support our communities during natural disasters, and the situation in southern California is no different. I’m so proud of how quickly our teams have worked to reopen stores that were temporarily closed by the wildfires to ensure we’re a resource for customers who need fresh food, pantry staples and necessities such as water and ice. Our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy – especially our team of associates and their extended families – and we are grateful to the first responders working so hard to protect our communities.”
Together The Kroger Family of Companies is raising $1 million to support disaster relief and recovery, including $500,000 in company matching funds for donations from customers to benefit the American Red Cross and Feeding America’s affiliated food banks, according to a news release from Kroger.
Kroger across the country is making it easy for customers to support relief efforts through its “round up” opportunity, boosting purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout to help the Red Cross. Customers are also invited to donate online if that is more convenient.
In addition to monetary contributions, Kroger is delivering food, water and supplies to local fire departments and evacuation centers. The company is committed to supporting law enforcement, emergency responders and community partners to provide additional aid without disrupting their fire containment efforts.
Kroger is also supporting the California National Guard. The grocer has deployed its mobile canteen in partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO). The canteen will feed and support military first responders in Los Alamitos, Calif. Kroger is also presenting gift cards to the USO to help provide food, water and supplies distributed by the Mobile Canteen.
Every year, The Kroger Co. Foundation directs $500,000 in funding to the American Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program to help the organization prepare for and respond to disasters across the U.S.