Kroger Inspires Zero Hunger Zero Waste
For many years, QFC and Fred Meyer stores have provided unwavering support for Food Lifeline. Through volunteering in our Hunger Solution Center, to raising funds at the cash register, and directly donating bulk food, the Kroger Company demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to people experiencing hunger and food insecurity in Western Washington.
Through The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, Kroger stores are revamping operations, partnering with hunger relief organizations, and engaging their customers to ensure that no food goes to waste while providing their communities with access to healthy, nutritious foods.
Today, the Zero Hunger |Zero Waste Foundation, in partnership with Fred Meyer and QFC, is announcing a $450,000 grant to Food Lifeline. In addition to this unprecedented gift, Kroger has donated nearly $100,000 of bulk grocery items.
Food Lifeline is distributing this food to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity in a critical season. During winter, people often face difficult choices between paying rent and utility bills and buying food. Thanks to Kroger, the food and assistance they need, is being delivered.
“At QFC and Fred Meyer, our Purpose is to Feed the Human Spirit”, said QFC Spokesperson Tiffany Sanders. “We value our partnership with Food Lifeline to help feed local families. Together we can reach Zero Hunger Zero Waste in our communities.”
Food Lifeline is dedicated to addressing the root causes of hunger, and this gift will help them reach communities that are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity. Here are just a few of the ways these funds will go to work in Western Washington:
- Expanding of our Mobile Food Pantries with as many as 100 new distributions in 2022. The mobile food program targets areas where access to nutritious, and affordable food options is limited. This occurs primarily in neighborhoods and communities with Black, Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Immigrant and Refugee neighborhoods that experience a higher rate of food insecurity by population.
- Bundling food assistance services with community-led organizations like Mercy Housing, King County Public Housing, SeaMar and others. By combining food resources and with housing, public health and community-based services, Food Lifeline and its partners provides more comprehensive services designed to uplift, strengthen, and empower individuals seeking the support they need.
- Growing our network of food pantries, meal programs, and shelters prioritizing the communities of greatest need as identified by our pandemic related research. We aim to grow our network by as many as 55 new agencies. We have implemented new strategies to onboard partners including reducing barriers to deepen our engagement with disproportionately impacted communities. We will prioritize organizations that demonstrate the greatest community need and reach, while fostering client dignity and racial equity.
Food Lifeline extends a huge thank you to Kroger, QFC, and Fred Meyer for believing that food is a basic human right, and for engaging its staff and customers in the mission to end hunger.