Fred Meyer Celebrates Food Bank Partnership

PORTLAND, Ore. — On Tuesday Kroger banner Fred Meyer honored its 10-year partnership with the Oregon Food Bank by christening a truck trailer funded by a $133,000 contribution from the retailer's customers and employees.

Fred Meyer was the first to participate in the Fresh Alliance program that brings donated perishable products from retailers to food pantries and soup kitchens. Fred Meyer has given 12.5 million meals to the hungry in Oregon over the past 10 years.

“Our customers and our employees have been clear with us that reducing hunger in our communities is their top priority,” said Mike Ellis, president of Fred Meyer Stores, in a press release. “We are grateful to Oregon Food Bank for all they do to keep our communities strong and are honored to be their partner in helping to reduce hunger.”

In addition to Fred Meyer, the Oregon Food Bank expanded the Fresh Alliance program to other Oregon retailers, such as Albertsons/Supervalu, Wal-Mart, Target, Whole Foods and Quality Food Center. Together, retailers donated 27.5 million meals to the program over the last decade.