How Grocers Are Supporting Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine rages on and as military action continues to escalate, grocery retailers throughout the United States—as well as international retailers with a presence in the U.S.—have made their position known by pulling Russian products from shelves and mobilizing resources in show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine.  

The broadening spread of grocery responses in support of Ukraine continues to increase. As information becomes available, WGB will continue to update this list.

Kroger
The Cincinnati-based grocer at the end of February removed Russian-produced vodka from its shelves. "As America's grocer, we're taking action to show our support and solidarity with Ukraine," Kroger tweeted from the official Kroger News Twitter account on March 2. "Over the weekend, we removed Russian-produced vodka from our shelves." Kroger also announced that it will send emergency food assistance to refugees through a monetary grant from The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation, a charity the company started in 2018. The grant will be given to the United Nations (UN) World Food Program's Ukraine Emergency Fund. Kroger also announced it will match all gifts made by its associates and customers, up to $250,000.

SpartanNash 
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash said in a March 3 statement it has committed to donating to the people of Ukraine more than $1 million worth of food and supplies and has ceased the purchasing and sale of all Russian-produced vodka. SpartanNash, which includes a military division, will export food and supplies via its global supply chain network and will work with Convoy of Hope, an American nonprofit humanitarian and disaster relief organization, to get the necessities in the hands of refugees across eastern Europe. “This is a humanitarian disaster, and SpartanNash is uniquely positioned to support Ukrainians in addition to the American military heroes who are serving on the front lines of this crisis,” SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam said in a statement. The company also announced an immediate cash donation of $25,000 to Convoy of Hope, which will provide 7,500 additional meals to families in need.

Southeastern Grocers
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of Winn-Dixie grocery stores, Fresco y Mas and Harveys Supermarket, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, announced in a Feb. 26 statement a donation of $250,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support Ukraine and its citizens. “At Southeastern Grocers, we are guided by doing the right thing; we recognize the people of Ukraine need our help, and they need it now,” said Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. “That’s why we are immediately directing funds to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support the victims of the war in Ukraine.” SEG said it will also donate 100% of the proceeds from its private-label Ukrainian vodka to “the cause for the next 31 days as a nod to Ukraine’s official declaration of independence nearly 31 years ago.”

Publix
Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix, in a show of solidarity with Ukraine, announced the removal of Russian-made brands from its store shelves. “Publix stands with the people of Ukraine. To show our support, we have decided to remove Russian-made vodka brands from our shelves,” Publix said in a statement. On March 18 the retailer announced that its shoppers can now add donations to their total at the register to help people affected by the Ukraine crisis. “Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine,” said Publix Director of Community Relations Dwaine Stevens, in a statement. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide a way for our customers and associates to help support the growing humanitarian need both in Ukraine and in neighboring countries sheltering refugees.” One hundred percent of the funds donated will go toward the global Red Cross effort to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by the Ukraine crisis. 

Woodman’s Food Market
Janesville, Wis.-based Woodman’s Markets on March 3 posted on its Facebook page that it is discontinuing Russian vodka in solidarity with Ukraine. The Midwestern grocer made the announcement ending with the hashtag #WeStandWithUkraine.

Aldi
Discount grocer AldiUSA on March 5 announced on Twitter, that "our ALDI team stands together with Ukraine. ALDI South Group is donating more than $5 million for immediate and long-term humanitarian aid." #StandWithUkraine

Lidl U.S.
Lidl U.S. tweeted on March 3 that its parent company, the Schwarz Group, is providing both financial support and in-kind donations. The Arlington, Va.-based retailer said nonperishable food, hygiene items and other “urgently needed products to support refugees near the Ukraine border” will be sent as soon as possible.

National Co op Grocers
The National Co op Grocers (NCG), which represents 149 co-op grocery stores nationwide, has launched a fundraising drive to support co-op businesses throughout Ukraine. The NCG has pledged a 100% match for all donations up to $100,000 made by the retail food co-op system. COOP Ukraine, which includes 15,000 enterprises, 3,000 restaurants, seven hotels, 300 manufacturing businesses and shops, and 300 markets throughout Ukraine, is working to maintain operations so member-owners can continue to rely on co-op goods and services. "The sense of support and solidarity we feel from around the world gives us strength," Illia Gorokhovskyi, board chair of the All-Ukrainian Central Union of Consumer Societies (COOP Ukraine), said in a statement. The NCG said donations can be made online or by sending a check to CDF at 1775 Eye St. NW, 8th floor, Washington, DC 20006, indicating Disaster Recovery Fund in the memo line.

The Fresh Market
Greensboro, N.C.-based The Fresh Market announced on March 18 a four-week fundraising campaign in which 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization providing meals to those fleeing their homes in the Ukraine. Shoppers can round up at the register or purchase a 5-stem pack of sunflowers, the national flower of the Ukraine, or a  bouquet of blue and yellow. "We are profoundly moved by the efforts being made by World Central Kitchen and the volunteer chefs who are providing a warm meal and food stability to the Ukrainian people who are fleeing their homes and homeland," said Jason Potter, CEO of The Fresh Market, in a statement.