Kroger Central Division gathered volunteers in Whitestown, Indiana, to pack an additional 500 boxes of food for those in need — the second phase of a meal kit commitment that has now produced 1,500 boxes for donation. The effort builds on 1,000 boxes packed earlier this month for the Midwest Food Bank.
Supporters of Athletes in Action in town for the Final Four joined Kroger store leaders and other volunteers at a Coca-Cola Consolidated distribution center in Whitestown, where they filled boxes with peanut butter, tuna, oatmeal and other non-perishable essentials.
“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,” said Mike Goodwin, president of Kroger Central Division. “We’re determined to donate more meals to nourish families as we make quality food more accessible to everyone.”
Of the 500 boxes packed, 250 went to Midwest Food Bank and 250 to Shepherd Community Center on the near eastside of Indianapolis.
Eric Nelson, president of Athletes in Action, tied the effort to the organization’s Final Four presence. “With Indianapolis hosting this year’s Final Four, our players and coaches are proud to partner with Kroger to create lasting impact that extends well beyond the court, to help feed local families,” Nelson said. The meal packing project preceded the AIA’s 29th Annual “Keys to Life” Breakfast, held April 4.
Jon Diebler, assistant men’s basketball coach at Butler, framed the day in terms his players understand. “We talk a lot about teamwork on the court but today is about teamwork in our community,” Diebler said. “Teaming up with Kroger, Athletes In Action and other partners is a win far more important than anything on the scoreboard.”
Marcie Luhigo, development director at Midwest Food Bank, described the kits as “a huge help to us. 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.”
Jay Height, executive director of Shepherd Community Center, emphasized the foundational role food plays in his organization’s work. “We strive to serve our neighbors’ physical, emotional, spiritual and academic needs. It all starts with physical hunger,” Height said. “We can only meet such needs through relationships such as these.”
Since 2017, Kroger partnerships and donations have enabled the grocer to direct more than 3.9 billion meals to communities it serves and provide $1.8 billion in food and funds to support hunger relief.
Kroger Central Division operates food stores, pharmacies and fuel centers in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Ohio.
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