Kroger Encourages Shoppers to 'Feed A Childhood' by Donating High-Quality Milk during Hunger Action Month

CINCINNATI, Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- September is Hunger Action Month^TM, the Feeding America® nationwide initiative that asks Americans to take action and fight hunger in their community. For the third year in a row, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is teaming up with The Great American Milk Drive to make it easy for shoppers to donate nutrient-rich milk to help get kids ready to learn as they head back to school this fall. 

More than 46 million Americans – including 12 million children are served by Feeding America network food banks each year. Milk is one of the most requested, but least donated, items at food banks.  This means children in need may be missing out on the 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein in each 8-ounce serving that milk supplies.

On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person, per year. But this September, Kroger family of stores customers have the ability to help change that in their communities by donating $1, $3 or $5 at check-out. Every donation will help deliver milk to a local family facing hunger. All donations collected go directly to Feeding America food banks that service the local community where the donation was made.  

"Our customers care deeply about hunger in their local communities and this initiative will provide our customers with a simple way to provide perishable goods to their communities," said Jessica Adelman, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs. "We are honored to partner with Feeding America for the third year in a row. The 'Feed a Childhood' program makes it so simple to give hope by the gallon and provide milk to families in need across the country."

Over the last two years, Kroger shoppers have donated more than 1 million servings of milk to children and families in need. Overall, the national partnership between Feeding America and The Great American Milk Drive has delivered more than 13 million servings of milk since the program began in 2014.

Feed a Childhood 
The Kroger Co. has a rich history of fighting hunger, including Bringing Hope To The Table, an ongoing hunger relief program that helps bring much needed funds to Feeding America network food banks. Funds from Bringing Hope To The Table help food banks purchase new trucks, refrigeration equipment, computers and other resources critical to their mission. This year, Kroger's third annual milk drive encourages shoppers to 'Feed a Childhood' and help get kids ready to learn with nutrient-rich milk as they head back to school.

What You Can Do Today
Now through the end of September, the Kroger family of stores is inviting customers to 'Feed a Childhood' by donating $1, $3 or $5 at check-out to help local families get the nutrient-rich milk they're missing. Customers should check with their local stores for details. Donations are also collected at BringingHopeToTheTable.com. By entering your zip code, you can ensure that the milk is delivered to a local Feeding America food bank in your very own community. 

From August 15, 2016 to April 1, 2017 The Little Clinic and Feeding America are also partnering to fight influenza and hunger. Kroger will donate one meal through the Feeding America network of food banks for every flu shot administered at the Kroger family of pharmacies or The Little Clinic locations.

About Kroger
Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,781 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to 2,240 pharmacies, 785 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,423 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America's most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

About MilkPEP
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk companies, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the Milk Life campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the powerful nutritional benefits of milk – with 9 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, in each 8 ounce glass. For more information, go to milklife.com. Lowe Campbell Ewald is creative agency for the Milk Life campaign – from America's milk companies.

About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council® (NDC), the non-profit organization founded by dairy farmers, is committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications experts across the country. NDC is committed to promoting child health and wellness through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For more information, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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