CINCINNATI, OH – January 10, 2025 – The Kroger Family Of Companies, a prominent name in grocery retail across the United States, is stepping up to aid communities affected by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region. Recognizing the urgent needs of families impacted, Kroger, which includes well-known brands like Ralphs and Food4Less in southern California, has announced a significant commitment to raise $1 million for wildfire relief.
Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, emphasized the company’s core values in this time of crisis. “At Kroger, our purpose is to Feed the Human Spirit, and this commitment is never more crucial than when disaster strikes,” McMullen stated. He lauded the rapid response of Kroger associates, noting, “Our associates have been instrumental in ensuring our stores, even those temporarily closed due to the wildfires, quickly reopened to serve as vital resources. They are providing essential supplies like fresh food, water, and other necessities to our customers.” McMullen further added, “Our thoughts are deeply with everyone affected by this tragedy, especially our associates and their families. We extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders who are working tirelessly to protect our communities.”
$1 Million Commitment to Disaster Relief and Recovery
The Kroger Family of Companies’ $1 million pledge is designed to provide crucial support for both immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery in the wildfire-affected areas. This substantial commitment includes a generous offer to match customer donations up to $500,000. These combined funds will directly benefit the American Red Cross and local food banks affiliated with Feeding America. These organizations are on the front lines, providing essential aid to individuals and families displaced and impacted by the wildfires.
To facilitate customer participation in the relief effort, Kroger is implementing a simple and effective donation mechanism in many of its store divisions. Customers are invited to ‘round up’ their purchase total to the nearest dollar at checkout. Every cent collected through this round-up program will be directed to the American Red Cross, ensuring that even small contributions collectively make a significant impact. For customers whose local stores do not offer the round-up option, Kroger has also established a dedicated online donation platform. This digital avenue allows anyone to contribute directly to the wildfire relief fund, regardless of their location or shopping habits.
On-the-Ground Support and Aid Delivery
Beyond financial contributions, The Kroger Family of Companies is actively involved in providing on-the-ground support. Understanding the immediate needs of those battling the fires and those displaced, Kroger is delivering essential resources directly to where they are needed most. Truckloads of food, bottled water, and vital supplies are being dispatched to local fire departments and evacuation centers. This direct delivery of necessities ensures that first responders and evacuees have access to sustenance and hydration during this critical time.
Ralphs and Food4Less, key components of the Kroger Family of Companies in southern California, are working closely with local authorities and community partners. They are coordinating with law enforcement and emergency responders to ensure that aid is delivered efficiently and effectively, without disrupting ongoing fire containment efforts. This collaborative approach ensures that Kroger’s support is seamlessly integrated with the broader emergency response network.
Supporting First Responders and Military Personnel
Recognizing the critical role of all first responders, including military personnel, Kroger is also extending its support to those providing aid. The California National Guard has been deployed to assist in disaster relief efforts, and to support these servicemen and women, the United Service Organizations (USO) is deploying a Kroger + USO Mobile Canteen to Los Alamitos, CA.
Kroger is further contributing to this initiative by providing gift cards to the USO. These gift cards will enable the Mobile Canteen to stock up on essential food, water, and supplies, ensuring that military first responders are well-supported as they carry out their crucial duties. This partnership underscores the Kroger Family of Companies’ commitment to supporting all those who are working to protect and rebuild communities affected by disaster.
Kroger’s Enduring Commitment to Community Support
The Kroger Co. Foundation’s annual commitment further demonstrates the long-standing dedication of the Kroger Family of Companies to disaster relief. Each year, the Foundation directs $500,000 to the American Red Cross through its Annual Disaster Giving Program. This consistent funding provides the Red Cross with the resources to prepare for and respond effectively to disasters across the United States, ensuring they are ready to act whenever and wherever communities are in need. This proactive and sustained support highlights Kroger’s deep-rooted commitment to being a reliable partner in community resilience and disaster response.
About Kroger
The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), and its family of companies, remains steadfast in its purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. With nearly 420,000 associates, Kroger serves over 11 million customers daily through a seamless shopping experience that encompasses both digital platforms and retail stores. Operating under a diverse portfolio of banner names, The Kroger Family of Companies is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring communities through food, and is committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. For more information about Kroger, please visit the newsroom and investor relations section of their website.
