The Kroger Co. donated $301 million to help end hunger in its communities in 2020, and rescued 90 million pounds of food from its stores, food processing plants, and distribution centers. The grocer also directed 640 million meals to individuals and families struggling with hunger across the country, an increase from 493 million meals in 2019.
Kroger also achieved 81 percent waste diversion from landfills company wide and expanded its food waste recycling programs to 2,285 stores, up from 2,120 stores in 2019. In addition, 31 of 34 Kroger-operated manufacturing plants are zero waste facilities.
These efforts are part of Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which aims to create communities free of hunger and waste by 2025.
"This past year has been a challenge for so many—especially those who are trying to provide for their families amid hardship," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO, in a statement. "In 2020, we continued to deliver on the principles of our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment, focusing on ways to support food insecure individuals and families and reduce waste across our entire organization. We have made considerable progress, and the momentum we've achieved shows that the Kroger Family of Companies is always striving for a better tomorrow."
Related: Kroger Debuts Robot-Powered Fulfillment Center; Kroger to Innovate Meal Kits, Prepared Meals.
Image: The Kroger Co.