In a bid to support both dairy farmers and the communities in which it serves, Kroger recently announced the launch of an expanded Dairy Rescue Program, which is designed to support children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside dairy cooperative suppliers and farmers in the Midwest and the South, Kroger is preparing to process roughly 200,000 gallons of additional milk to Feeding America® food banks and community organizations.
"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 Dairy Rescue Program, as explained in a press release, expands on an already existing partnership between Kroger and its dairy co-op suppliers to get milk to food-insecure communities. Through the expanded program, dairy cooperatives will donate surplus milk and Kroger will donate the processing and packaging of the milk. In some cases, Kroger's logistics team will also donate the transportation of the milk to local food banks.
The program additionally expands partnerships between Kroger, Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Dairy Farmers of America, which already donated a combined 129,900 gallons throughout the year. Kroger's dairy processing plants and suppliers will be donating an additional 50,000 gallons of milk per month to local food banks and community organizations. Feeding America member food banks and other partners will help transport the gallons and half-gallons to local hunger relief agencies.
"As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses like restaurants and hotels across the country to close, some of America's farmers are left without buyers for their dairy supply," said Heather J. McCann, Director of Public Affairs for Dairy Farmers of America's Mideast Area. "Kroger's Dairy Rescue Program is an invaluable resource for the dairy industry during this crisis and beyond, helping distribute and process surplus milk to communities who need it the most."
The following Kroger manufacturing facilities are participating in the program:
Deli Market News recently reported on Kroger’s partnership with Dairy Farmers of America in Atlanta, Georgia, an initiative that supports health care workers and first responders.
"With so many families struggling with unemployment and food insecurity today, providing access to fresh, nutrient-rich milk has never been more important," said Blake Thompson, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Feeding America. "Kroger's Dairy Rescue Program is keeping America's farmers productive, avoiding unnecessary food waste, and helping families in need."
Keep reading Deli Market News as we cover the latest in partnerships between buy and supply.
