Kroger Encourages Shoppers to 'Pour it Forward' by Donating Nutrient-rich Milk to Food Banks during Feeding America's Hunger Action Month

CINCINNATI, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- September is Hunger Action Month™, a nationwide campaign from Feeding America® – the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country. In honor of Hunger Action Month, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) family of stores is partnering with Feeding America and the country's dairy farmers and milk companies to encourage its shoppers to 'Pour It Forward' by donating nutrient-rich milk to families in need in their local communities.

Milk isn't just a drink—it's a nutrient powerhouse providing nine essential nutrients including eight grams of high-quality protein per serving. But it is missing at food banks in communities across the country because it is rarely donated. In fact, milk is one of the items most requested by Feeding America food bank clients each year.

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.  

"We know our customers care deeply about the issue of hunger in their local communities and are willing to donate dry goods, but it's more difficult to provide fresh, perishable items like milk," said Lynn Marmer, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs. "We are honored to partner with Feeding America for the second year in a row. The 'Pour It Forward' program makes it so simple to give hope by the gallon and provide milk to families in need across the country."

'Pour It Forward'
This is the second year Kroger has hosted the 'Pour It Forward' program in its stores. Last year's effort generated more than 100,000 gallons of milk for families in need in communities across the country.

"We are pleased to have Kroger as a partner for the 'Pour It Forward' program and are thankful for their help in filling our food banks with an additional source of protein," said Matt Knott, president of Feeding America. "Milk remains one of the most requested and least available items in food banks, and Kroger is helping to change that for the families who need it most."

The 'Pour It Forward' program is the latest in a rich history of fighting hunger, including Kroger's Bringing Hope to the Table initiative, an ongoing hunger-relief program that helps bring much needed funds to Feeding America food banks nationwide. These funds help food banks purchase new trucks, refrigeration equipment, computers and other resources critical to their mission.

What You Can Do Today
Now through the end of September, the Kroger family of stores is inviting customers to 'Pour It Forward' by donating $1, $3 or $5 at check-out to help local families get the nutrient-rich milk they're missing out on. Customers should check with their local stores for details. Donations are also collected at BringingHopeToTheTable.com/PourItForward. 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. 

About Kroger
Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs nearly 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,626 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.  The company also operates 780 convenience stores, 327 fine jewelry stores, 1,342 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.  Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Million Dollar Club.  

About Feeding America
Feeding America is the 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.  Together we can solve hunger. 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.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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