The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation is a nonprofit public charity founded in 2018 to advance philanthropic efforts that align with Kroger’s overarching Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan. This initiative targets a dual challenge in the U.S. food system: widespread hunger alongside significant food waste. The Foundation’s work focuses on fostering innovation and supporting social entrepreneurs and organizations that develop creative solutions to improve food access, reduce food insecurity, and minimize food waste. Kroger’s broader corporate commitment underpins these efforts by enhancing access to affordable, nutritious food through its grocery business, donations of surplus food, and strategic community partnerships.

The Foundation’s mission is rooted in systemic food change, promoting both immediate and long-term solutions. In 2023, it directed $7.4 million in grants to various organizations aligned with its mission. Cumulatively, the Foundation has contributed over $66 million in funding to changemakers nationwide. It also manages the Innovation Fund, a signature program offering catalytic capital to pioneers in food security, food waste reduction, and access.

Grantmaking aligns closely with Kroger’s operational initiatives such as food rescue, which involves recovering unsold fresh food for donation to local hunger relief agencies. Additional support includes markdown programs to prevent food waste and organic waste recycling processes when donation is not viable. These efforts contribute to Kroger’s ESG goals, which include achieving 90%+ waste diversion in operations and rescuing more surplus food by 2025.

The Foundation awards grants on a quarterly cycle, with upcoming application deadlines set for April 4, 2025, June 27, 2025, September 19, 2025, and December 5, 2025. Applicants are advised to review the Foundation’s Giving Guidelines before submitting proposals. New users must create an account to apply, and all applicants should allow up to four weeks for a response following submission.

Eligible organizations include those aligned with the goals of the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, particularly nonprofits working to end hunger and reduce waste in local communities. Kroger prioritizes established programs as well as new, innovative efforts. While no specific eligibility categories are explicitly outlined, the emphasis on community-based and nonprofit engagement is clear.

For inquiries or further assistance, the application portal is accessible through Kroger’s philanthropy interface, and although no direct contact email or phone number is provided on the public webpage, prospective applicants are encouraged to use the system’s internal communication tools once registered.