Kroger Welcomes Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers to Raise Funds For Local Communities Through The Holidays

CINCINNATI, Ohio, November 29, 2011 – The Salvation Army's iconic Red Kettles will once again usher in the holiday season at The Kroger Co.'s (NYSE: KR) family of stores. Each year, customers and associates generously support the campaign that provides food, clothing, toys and social services in the communities where funds are raised.

“Kroger has been a strong and dedicated supporter of The Salvation Army for many years in communities throughout the United States,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “As many families continue to feel the impact of the economic downturn, each donation to a red kettle is more important than ever to provide assistance for food, clothing, shelter and more at Christmas and year-round.”

In 2010, Kroger customers and associates contributed $12.9 million to the campaign, which represents 9% of the record $142 million raised nationwide. All funds collected are used locally in the community where the donations are raised. The Red Kettle campaign enables The Salvation Army to assist 30 million Americans in more than 5,000 communities across the country.

“Through the familiar Red Kettles, our customers and associates are able to make small donations that, added together, make a big difference for local families and individuals,” said Lynn Marmer, group vice president of Corporate Affairs for Kroger. “We value our long-standing partnership with The Salvation Army and the impact this campaign has for our neighbors in need.”

Kroger, the nation's largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,439 supermarkets and multi- department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 788 convenience stores, 361 fine jewelry stores, 1,046 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Kroger was recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in the U.S. The company focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 125 million meals a year through its partnership with more than 80 Feeding America food banks. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.

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Media Contact: Keith Dailey (513) 762-1304
The Salvation Army Contact: Jaime Joswick (703) 647-4784

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