Kroger celebrates anniversary of ‘Zero Hunger, Zero Waste’

ATLANTA – One year ago, The Kroger Co. announced the launch of Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, the company’s bold plan to help end hunger in the communities it calls home and eliminating waste across the company by 2025. Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, South Carolina and Eastern Alabama, has proudly engaged its communities to make a large impact in year one of the initiative.

“Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste goal to end hunger in our communities and eliminate waste is something our whole team has been excited about since day one,” said Felix Turner, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “That enthusiasm has driven us to make great strides toward this goal right here in the Atlanta Division. We look forward to furthering our efforts in year two as we get closer to achieving Zero Hunger | Zero Waste by 2025.” 

Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is designed to address a fundamental absurdity in the nation’s food system: 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. is thrown away, yet one in eight Americans struggles with hunger. 

Here are some key Atlanta Division Zero Hunger | Zero Waste accomplishments in year one:

· Donated more than $6.1 million to end hunger division wide. Through several campaigns, Kroger has added new opportunities throughout the year for customers to donate and support Zero Hunger | Zero Waste in their community.

· Provided more than 15.2 million meals to families in need in Kroger communities in 2017. Improved the company’s food rescue program to not only donate more food, but more balanced meals. 

· Directed more than 2.8 million pounds of rescued food donated to local food partners. Working with local stores, Kroger has been able to reduce waste in all five fresh departments – Meat, Deli, Produce, Bakery and Dairy – allowing more balanced food donations to local partners and food banks.

· First major retailer to commit to phasing out single-use plastic grocery bags. Work is underway to transition to more sustainable options to better protect the planet.   

· Educated customers on ways to reduce food waste at home. Shared tips for reducing household food waste through the Wilted to Wonderful blog series and other content and through the Chef Junior program.

 To learn more about Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, visit www.thekrogerco.com. Follow the journey at #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.