Kroger debuting health platform with a little help from famous friends

The Kroger Co. is launching a new Wellness Experience platform, and pop star Jewel is helping spread the news.

Since 2018, Kroger, Jewel, and events and consulting firm Inclusion Companies have partnered to create physical, emotional and mental wellness events. Kroger’s new Wellness Experience platform expands the partnership with monthly digital events and healthy-living resources.

The grocery giant will officially launch the Wellness Experience platform with a World Mental Health Day Summit & Concert on Saturday, Oct. 10, featuring artists, business leaders, and mental health experts. The free livestream event will focus on mindfulness and mental wellness and practices to combat depression and anxiety, and provide viewers with actionable steps to improve their well-being. The event will also raise funds to support the Las Vegas-based youth and education services non-profit Inspiring Children Foundation (ICF) and its COVID-19 mental health programs. 

Jewel and actor/philanthropist Frankie Grande will host the event. The summit and concert will also will feature performers such as X Ambassadors, Grace VanderWaal, Willie Jones, and Haim; Kroger executives including chairman/CEO Rodney McMullen and chief medical officer Dr. Marc Watkins; and a variety of other health experts and public figures.

"We launched The Wellness Experience to inspire everyone to live healthier lives. The goal is to provide easy steps and solutions that combine health, wellness and nutrition and connect with our customers on a personal level," said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. "The platform also provides Kroger Health with an additional way to highlight the helpful and accessible products, services and resources we offer to support our customers' well-being."

"We recognize that many are combating the silent symptoms of COVID 19 - anxiety, depression, and isolation – in addition to their physical health," said Jewel. "We know that mental wellness is critical right now, and I'm thrilled to partner with Kroger to safely connect with people across the U.S. to provide tools and resources for mental wellness during these uncertain times."