The partnership between Second Helpings and Kroger has grown and developed over time, but remains defined by shared values. Because of this relationship, more than 2.4 million pounds of food have been saved from the landfill, and instead, prepared into meals for our neighbors.

Kroger’s donations are absolutely essential to Second Helpings’ Hunger Relief program, as protein is a critical element to ensuring all our meals are nutritionally balanced.

There are many ways in which Kroger stands out among Second Helpings’ food donors. Kroger has donated food to Second Helpings since 2004 and is by far our largest donor in terms of number of locations. Second Helpings drivers pick up donations at 15 Kroger stores weekly.

Perhaps the most critical aspect of Kroger’s food donations is the amount of meat the company regularly provides for Second Helpings. More than 2 million pounds of Kroger’s all-time donations have been meat, which make them our all-time top protein donor. Since 2014, more than half of the meat donated to Second Helpings has come from Kroger stores.

“Before Kroger started donating meat to us, we had a committee that focused on nothing but how to source protein,” remembers Nora Spitznogle, our Senior Director of Programs. “When Kroger started their perishable food donation program it was a huge relief and paved the way for Second Helpings to confidently increase the nutritious meals that we were sending to the community.”

These donations are absolutely essential to Second Helpings’ Hunger Relief program, as protein is a critical element to ensuring all our meals are nutritionally balanced. Protein is also the most expensive part of the meal, so these donations save Second Helpings from having to make those purchases.

Kroger has also become a significant financial supporter of Second Helpings since 2005, sponsoring trucks, our spring Corks & Forks event, and the Gr8 Pasta Push campaign.

All of Kroger’s work with Second Helpings has been fueled by the organizations’ shared values.

Kroger launched their Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Initiative in 2017 with a goal to create “communities free from hunger and waste by 2025.” This program has become a corporate priority and makes for a perfect partnership, where Kroger contributes to both Second Helpings’ Food Rescue and Hunger Relief programs.

“The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan embodies our commitment to creating a more efficient and equitable food system,” explained Eric Halvorson, Manager of Corporate Affairs for Kroger Central Division, and member of Second Helpings’ Board of Directors. “At its launch, our CEO described the initiative as Kroger’s ‘moonshot,’ a plan so ambitious we could not achieve it alone. That’s why we value our long affiliation with Second Helpings. This wonderful organization not only rescues food, it saves lives – by providing nutritious meals to hungry families and by offering new careers through Second Helpings’ Culinary Job Training program. Together, we unite caring and innovative people who desire a world where everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and no surplus food is wasted. In that service, Kroger has no better partner than Second Helpings.”

Thanks to Kroger, Second Helpings continues to transform lives through the power of food, with nutritious meals delivered across our community every day.