Houston Texans Star Arian Foster and Kroger Southwest Kick Off Season with New Partnership

HOUSTON, Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston Texans running back Arian Foster and Kroger are officially teammates. Foster and Kroger, both leaders in their respective industries, are teaming up to roll out programs targeted to local families, schools and communities. 

"Arian is a talented athlete who is widely respected and admired here in Houston," says Bill Breetz, president of Kroger Southwest. "With his popularity and influence, we have the opportunity to capture the community's interest through programs that promote causes we're equally passionate about such as education advancement and healthy eating and lifestyles."

To help deserving students start the new school with the proper tools, Foster is lending his support to Kroger's Stuff the School Bus collection drive. During the campaign, which runs through August 19, shoppers can visit any Kroger in Texas or Louisiana to donate a pre-packaged school supply kit for $7 or contribute money at the checkstand. Locally, this year's effort is projected to benefit 25,000 kids through KIPP Houston, Fort Bend ISD, Humble ISD, Pasadena ISD and Spring ISD.

Foster is excited about this partnership. "I am proud to work with Kroger to help families in our community. Thousands of children will be prepared to start school this year thanks to the generosity of Kroger shoppers. This is the first of many Kroger community enrichment programs I will be a part of," says Foster.

Along with fundraisers and collection drives, the partnership creates the opportunity to engage the community through traditional and interactive platforms. This October, fans and customers will have the chance to participate in a themed video submission contest for a chance to win a private meet and greet with Foster, along with other prizes.

Foster, who has been a Kroger shopper since coming to Houston in 2010, will serve as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for Kroger and its charitable and educational programs.

French/West/Vaughan, Foster's marketing agency, brokered the Kroger partnership.  

To stay in the loop about upcoming contests, community programs and special events involving Foster, follow Kroger on Facebook and Twitter.

About Kroger

The Kroger Southwest Division operates 208 stores, 200 pharmacies and 110 fuel centers in Texas and Louisiana and is part of one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains serving customers in 31 states. For more than 125 years, Kroger has emphasized a customer-first approach to providing quality products, value pricing, outstanding service and an exceptional shopping experience. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the supermarket retailer is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves by supporting hunger relief, education, health and wellness, and diversity programs. Resulting from the retailer's philanthropic commitment, Forbes Magazine lists Kroger as the most generous company in America. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com, Facebook or Twitter.

About Arian Foster

Averaging an NFL-leading 140 yards from scrimmage per game over the past two seasons as running back for the Houston Texans, Arian Foster has established himself as the league's premier all-purpose back. Foster led the NFL in rushing and touchdowns in 2010, is a two-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, ESPY Award winner and was the sole running back on the 2011 USA Football All Fundamentals Team. Named "The Most Interesting Man in the NFL" by The Sporting News, Foster is more than a football player. He is a husband, father, poet, philosopher and philanthropist who devotes much of his free time to supporting charitable causes. For more information about Arian Foster, please visit www.ArianFoster.org, Facebook or Twitter.

Contacts:
Kristal Howard
[email protected]
713.299.6863 (cell); 713.507.6191 (desk)

Rebecca King
[email protected]
972.439.4889 (cell); 713.507.4809 (desk)

SOURCE Kroger