Kroger Buys And Redirects Dairy Farmers' Surplus Milk To Food Banks

May 5, 2020

Kroger has announced that the company will be donating 200,000 gallons of milk to food banks across the United States.

Kroger

The Kroger Family of Companies today announced the launch of an expanded Dairy Rescue Program, designed to support children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic through the summer months. In partnership with its dairy cooperative suppliers and farmers across the Midwest and South, Kroger will process and donate about 200,000 gallons of additional milk to Feeding America food banks and community organizations through the end of August, uplifting its Zero Hunger/Zero Waste initiative.

"Kroger recognizes the growing need for fresh, highly nutritious food in our community, especially for children as schools remain closed during the pandemic to flatten the curve," said Erin Sharp, Kroger's group vice president of manufacturing. "At a time when dairy farmers have surplus raw milk, we're doubling down on our mission to reduce hunger and waste."

Dairy farmers across America are being forced to dump milk due to lower demand due to the coronavirus.

"As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses like restaurants and hotels across the country to close, some of America's farmers are left without buyers for their dairy supply," said Heather J. McCann, director of public affairs for Dairy Farmers of America's Mideast Area. "Kroger's Dairy Rescue Program is an invaluable resource for the dairy industry during this crisis and beyond, helping distribute and process surplus milk to communities who need it the most."

Kroger has already donated a combined 129,900 gallons of milk throughout the year in partnership with the Michigan Milk Producers Association and the Dairy Farmers of America.