Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/11/2012 -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) (http://www.kroger.com/), the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer with 16 stores throughout the Triangle and North Carolina, has announced that it has been named number one in a Chronicle of Philanthropy listing detailed in Forbes magazine that recognizes American companies that give back the most. The Chronicle of Philanthropy helped Forbes compile two lists, one of companies donating pre-tax profits, the other based on raw numbers. In the article spotlighting the lists, Forbes staff member Susan Adams, who authored the article, commented: “The one (list) we think is most meaningful: The companies that are most generous in their cash donations as a percentage of pre-tax profits. Kroger tops that list.”

During 2009, Kroger contributed 10.9 percent of its $589 million pre-tax profits – or $64 million – to charity.

Carl York, corporate affairs manager for Kroger Mid-Atlantic, which includes stores throughout the Triangle and North Carolina, said $2 million of Kroger’s cash contributions flow through its Kroger Cares Rewards program, which allows shoppers to support nonprofit organizations by making their grocery purchases with Kroger Gift Cards.

Kroger Mid-Atlantic has a number of other charitable giving programs, which are detailed below:

• In 2010, Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Division distributed more than 3.8 million meals to help feed the hungry through partnerships with Feeding America and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. In addition, Kroger partnered with customers and associates to contribute $390,000 to these organizations.

• Through its Perishable Donation Program, Kroger stores donate fresh bakery, meat, fruits and vegetables to Mid-Atlantic food banks on an ongoing basis, providing much-needed protein and nutritional variety. The Kroger donations reinforce the food banks’ goal to provide fresh, nutritious items to improve the diets of individuals and families.

• Kroger teamed up with customers and associates to contribute $150,000 to Susan G Komen for the Cure and the American Cancer Society in 2010 to help fund life-saving cancer research.

• Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic Division enhanced its education/diversity, good neighbor and health/wellness initiatives through community partnerships and consumer programs, donating more than $2 million in 2010. Beneficiaries of these initiatives included hundreds of schools, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boys & Girls Clubs, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, United Way, Special Olympics, USO, the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign, and other local charities and institutions.

QUOTES:
“We are proud to be recognized at the top of this national charitable giving ranking,” said York. “Every Kroger division conducts many campaigns throughout the year that benefit local hunger relief efforts, youth organizations and health and wellness initiatives. We will continue to review and pursue other opportunities to improve the quality of life for individuals and families within the local communities we serve.”

About Kroger
Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, has 16 stores throughout the Triangle and North Carolina, including Apex (1), Cary (1), Garner (1), Fuquay-Varina (1), Raleigh (6) and Durham (6). Headquartered in Cincinnati, the company employs more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,439 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s. The company also operates 788 convenience stores, 361 fine jewelry stores, 1,046 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the United States. Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. For more information, please visit http://www.kroger.com.

Erin Smith
MMI Public Relations
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Erin@mmipublicrelations.com
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