The ripple effect of the pandemic created food challenges not seen in a lifetime. As grocery stores scrambled to stock shelves, countless numbers of residents found themselves for the first time seeking help from area food banks. To support the food banks like North Texas Food Bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank, East Texas Food Bank, The Food Bank of Central Louisiana and The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and the Kroger‘s Dallas Division stepped up and provided both funding and food to the tune of $2,397,890 on the morning of Wednesday, January 13, at Globe Life Field. Here’s a report from the field:
Kroger Dallas Division and the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger Zero | Waste Foundation unveiled the record-breaking success of its Community Care Hunger Program at a special celebration at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, at Globe Life Field.
Kroger Dallas Division President Adam Wampler was joined by North Texas Food Bank President/CEO Trisha Cunningham and Tarrant Area Food Bank President/CEO Julie Butner for the announcement and presentation.
At the appointed time, Wampler thanked the community, Kroger associates and especially Kroger customers, for their unprecedented support of the Community Care Campaign, which surpassed the initial goal of providing 5 million meals to neighbors in need. He then proudly unveiled that the hunger program raised $2,397,890 in in-kind cash and donations, with more than 1.2 million pounds of food to be distributed to Kroger Dallas Division’s five food bank partners.
Following the announcement, volunteers filled 500 food bags to be immediately distributed to the community.
The Community Care Hunger Program was held throughout November and December with customers throughout North Texas, East Texas and Northwest Louisiana supporting food-insecure families by purchasing a “virtual box” of food, by rounding up their grocery purchases to the nearest $1, $5 or $10, or by making direct donations.
Kroger’s Community Care Program was also sponsored by NBC 5, Nolan Ryan Beef and Coca-Cola and will benefit North Texas Food Bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank, East Texas Food Bank, The Food Bank of Central Louisiana and The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.
* Photo provided by Kroger Community Care Hunger Program