Kroger launches Honoring Our Heroes campaign

CINCINNATI — Kroger plans to provide $2.3 million to support the USO's broad range of programs that assist service members and their families, as part of its Honoring Our Heroes campaign.

For the following two weeks, store-wide promotions will feature hundreds of popular products at special sale prices. Customized shelf tags will highlight participating items, including Kroger's own products and items from key partners, including Unilever, Coca Cola, Kraft, Nestle, Frito Lay, Procter & Gamble, ConAgra and Dannon. Start and end dates vary by region.

All funds raised will support the broad range of programs and services the USO provides to service members, their families, wounded, ill and injured troops and veterans. A private, nonprofit organization, the USO provides programs, services and entertainment events that aim to enhance the quality of life for America's military personnel and their families wherever they serve. Since 2010, Kroger has provided more than $5 million to support the USO.

The sales event is just one element of Kroger's year-round commitment to supporting members of the military and their families. Throughout the summer, Kroger plans to treat returning service members in communities served by the Kroger Family of Stores to a Welcome Home meal.

Customers and employees of the Kroger family of stores will be able to show their support for service men and women at various times during the summer by donating spare changed in specially-marked coin boxes at check stands, or by rounding up their purchases at registers.

Last year, Kroger announced a major commitment to hiring veterans, including joining more than 90 other companies in the "100,000 Jobs Mission." The program has a collective goal of hiring more than 100,000 transitioning service members and military veterans by 2020. Since 2009, more than 17,000 veterans have joined the Kroger company.

Kroger is also encouraging consumers to support the troops online via www.honoringourheroes.com, where customers can volunteer with the USO, make a donation or write a note to a service member. They also can learn more about the USO and Kroger employees who serve in the armed forces.

Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, has 343,000 employees who serve customers in 2,424 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 786 convenience stores, 328 fine jewelry stores, 1,169 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.