The Kroger Co. cited for hiring people with disabilities

Cincinnati --The Kroger Co. was named Employer of the Year by the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities for significantly contributing to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.



Kroger was nominated for this recognition by the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The company received the award at a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse on Oct. 16.



"We have a long tradition of hiring people with disabilities, especially on our front lines serving customers," said Keith Dailey, Kroger's director of corporate communications.



Kroger was also recognized earlier this year by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. Kroger has worked with the Marriott Foundation's Bridges from School to Work program to help transition young people with disabilities from high school to the workforce.



Kroger employs more than 375,000 associates who serve customers in 2,638 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 785 convenience stores, 324 fine jewelry stores, 1,275 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.