CINCINNATI, Ohio – Kroger says it will process and donate about 200,000 gallons of additional milk to Feeding America food banks and community organizations through the end of August.
The move is part of the company’s Dairy Rescue Program, which is designed to support children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic through the summer.
"Kroger recognizes the growing need for fresh, highly nutritious food in our community, especially for children as schools remain closed during the pandemic to flatten the curve," said Erin Sharp, Kroger's group vice president of manufacturing. "At a time when dairy farmers have surplus raw milk, we're doubling down on our mission to reduce hunger and waste."
The nation’s grocery leader will partner with its dairy cooperative suppliers in the Midwest and South to make the additional donations.
Through the expanded program, dairy cooperatives will donate surplus milk normally sold to restaurants, schools and hotels, while Kroger will donate the processing and packaging of the donated milk.
Additionally, in some areas, Kroger's logistics team will also donate the transportation of the milk to local food banks.
The expansion of Kroger's Dairy Rescue Program builds on the existing partnerships with the Michigan Milk Producers Association and Dairy Farmers of America, which already donate a combined 129,900 gallons throughout the year.
