KROGER DONATES RECORD 25 MILLION POUNDS OF PRODUCT TO AMERICA’S SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANKS IN 2001
Company Once Again Ranks Among Largest Retail Donors in The Nation

CINCINNATI, OH, February 25, 2002 -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced it donated more than 25 million pounds of food and other products last year to food banks affiliated with America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization.

The donation, which is valued at $38 million, ranks as the largest in Kroger’s history and reflects an increase of 6 million pounds from the previous year. Kroger’s retail divisions work with more than 40 regional food banks around the country that are affiliated with Second Harvest.

Thanks to Kroger’s support, America’s Second Harvest was able to provide emergency food assistance to more than 23 million hungry Americans last year, including 9 million children and more than 2 million seniors.

“Kroger is proud to support America’s Second Harvest in providing emergency food assistance to needy families who have been hit hard by the weak economy,” said Joseph A. Pichler, Kroger chairman and chief executive officer. “Our retail divisions and associates are working harder than ever to support their local food banks, as well as a wide variety of community outreach programs and fundraising events that provide assistance to those in need.”

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the third quarter, the Company operated 2,401 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under approximately two dozen banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace, Dillon, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operates 790 convenience stores, 426 fine jewelry stores, 177 supermarket fuel centers and 41 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

« Go back