Together, Kroger Central Division executives and local store teams worked with Athletes in Action to pack approximately 16,000 meals for hungry Hoosiers. (Photo provided by Kroger)
Leaders fill 1,000 boxes with nutritious food for Midwest Food Bank
Kroger took the fight against hunger to a basketball court in Noblesville, but not to play the game. Instead, its store leaders and executive team packed boxes of food for Midwest Food Bank. The packing project on Monday, March 2 was the first phase in the grocer’s latest effort to feed Hoosiers in need.
Mike Goodwin, president of Kroger Central Division, said, “This event is important as a connection to the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan, Kroger’s national mission to end hunger in the communities we serve. Our store leaders know too many Hoosier parents worry about feeding their children, so we’re honored to help Midwest Food Bank, as they say, make sure those families feel cared for and valued.”
The Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville served as the setting for the meal packing project. The Noblesville Boom, the Indiana Pacers G League affiliate, provided their court for the 150 members of the Kroger team and Noblesville’s Mayor Chris Jensen who joined the effort in his city.
“I’m grateful to Kroger for hosting a meal-packing event at The Arena at Innovation Mile during their leadership meeting in Noblesville,” Mayor Jensen said. “Kroger continues to give back and invest in Noblesville and the people who make it a great place to live, and events like this have a lasting impact on our community.”
Mayor Chris Jensen jumped in to help. (Photo provided by Kroger)
Marcie Luhigo, Development Director at Midwest Food Bank, also praised the packing plan.
“When we get healthy and easy-to-prepare food such as this peanut butter, oatmeal, and tuna, this is a huge help to us,” Luhigo said. “Families in need appreciate these items so very much. The need in Indiana and across the Midwest has remained high for food support. Kroger is a great partner to the community and to Midwest Food Bank.”
This event served as Phase One of a meal packing mission connected to April’s Final Four in Indianapolis. Kroger will combine with community partners such as Coca-Cola Consolidated and Athletes in Action to pack another 500 meal kits.
“With Indianapolis hosting this year’s Final Four, we’re proud to partner with Kroger to create lasting impact that extends well beyond the court,” said Eric Nelson, President of Athletes in Action. “Tipping off the week’s excitement, Hoosier native Steve Alford and fellow coaches will join team efforts to help feed local families. As Coach John Wooden once called Indiana home, the 29th Annual “Keys to Life” Breakfast [Saturday, April 4] holds special significance as it continues to celebrate character, leadership, and integrity both on and off the court.”
Since 2017 such partnerships and donations have enabled Kroger to direct more than 3.9 billion meals to nourish people in need and provide $1.8 billion in food and funds to support hunger relief in Kroger communities.
It’s no easy task packing 1,000 boxes of anything, but a coordinated effort of caring, hardworking people makes it possible. (Photos provided by Kroger)
