Kroger Fights Hunger, Influenza
The Kroger Co. will donate one meal for every flu shot administered at its pharmacies and The Little Clinic locations as part of its second annual health-and-wellness campaign.
One Shot, One Meal, in partnership with The Little Clinic and domestic hunger relief organization Feeding America, donates a meal through Feeding America’s network of food banks for every flu shot given through April 1, 2018.
"Kroger is committed to helping people live healthier lives, and we're excited to continue this initiative for the second year," said Colleen Lindholz, Kroger's president of pharmacy and The Little Clinic. "When you receive the flu shot this season at any of the Kroger family of pharmacies or The Little Clinic locations, you will help protect your health and provide a meal for a neighbor struggling with hunger. Kroger donated 330 million meals in 2016, and last year's campaign helped us achieve this milestone. We know that meals matter because nutrition is a key aspect of building healthier communities."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 310,000 individuals were hospitalized last year for flu-related illnesses. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Flu shots can reduce the risk of more serious symptoms and outcomes, including flu-related hospitalizations.
Fighting Hunger, Providing Wellness
"Feeding America aims to provide wellness, nourishment and strength to people facing hunger," said Diana Aviv, CEO of Chicago-based Feeding America. "We are excited to partner with Kroger for the second year on this health-and-wellness campaign. Visionary partners like Kroger enable us to help the 46 million Americans who receive food and groceries from our network of food banks."
Every week, 5.4 million people in the United States receive help through the Feeding America network, which includes 200 food banks that lead the fight against hunger. Feeding America food banks are partners in community health by providing food that promotes health and wellness, and partnering to help people improve their health outcomes.
A wholly owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co., The Little Clinic health care clinics are located inside select Kroger stores in Indiana, Mississippi, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio; King Soopers in Colorado; Fry's Food Stores in Arizona; Dillons stores in Kansas; and JayC stores in Indiana.
Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia.