Innovation Fund
The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Innovation Fund helps fill the gap in philanthropic funding needed to support entrepreneurs and creative thinkers with solutions to improve food security and prevent food waste.
Since 2018, the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation has directed more than $66 million to organizations, innovators and changemakers across the country to address a fundamental absurdity in our food system: 38% of all food in the U.S. is unsold or uneaten,1 yet 34 million Americans struggle with hunger.2
Through innovation, collaboration and community engagement, we’re committed to our mission of creating communities free of hunger and waste.
1Refed.org: Food Waste in America
2Feeding America: Hunger in America
Our Board of Directors
Our search for the best innovations is informed by an advisory committee made up of investors, entrepreneurs and experts who work in and around the food system. Special thanks to the advisory committee members from these leading organizations for reviewing proposals and identifying top opportunities for preventing and reducing food waste.
Denise Osterhues
President & Director
Keith Dailey
Vice President & Director
Patty Leesemann
Interim Treasurer & Executive Director
Milen Mahadevan
Secretary & Director
Ryan Verbecken
Director
Lisa Zwack
Director
Victor Smith
Director
© Copyright 2024 The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation
