AMERICA'S SECOND HARVEST HONORS KROGER FOR DONATIONS

CHICAGO -- America's Second Harvest here last week said it named Kroger Co. the Grocery Retailer of the Year, marking the third time in the past five years that Kroger has received the award.

uch regional food banks. In the past five years, Kroger has provided nearly 120 million pounds of product -- valued at about $160 million -- to the America's Second Harvest Network.

"Kroger provides tremendous support to our network. They have a genuine commitment to help us feed millions of Americans who are hungry or at risk of hunger," said Bob Forney, president and chief executive officer, America's Second Harvest.

"Kroger is proud to support America's Second Harvest in the movement to end hunger in America," said David B. Dillon, chairman and CEO, Kroger. "Our associates are involved with food banks in almost every community where we operate

"They are the reason why America's Second Harvest food banks recognized Kroger as the leading retail partner in their efforts to feed hungry children, families and seniors."

In recent years, Kroger has expanded its partnership with America's Second Harvest through the company's Grocery Alliance program. Under this program, Kroger retail divisions work closely with food banks and food-rescue organizations in their local communities to generate greater awareness of hunger relief programs, share best practices in raising food donations, and seek new donation opportunities through a variety of activities.

America's Second Harvest -- The Nation's Food Bank Network includes more than 200 regional member food banks and food-rescue programs and serves all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The network supports about 50,000 local charitable agencies operating more than 94,000 programs, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and children's programs.