Ralphs Partners with Feeding America for Campaign to Fight Influenza and Hunger

Ralphs Grocery Company is teaming up with Feeding America food banks in Southern California on a new health and wellness campaign.

Through April 1, 2017, Ralphs will donate one meal through the Feeding America network of food banks for every flu shot administered at its in-store pharmacies.

The partnership with Feeding America was made possible through Ralphs' parent company, The Kroger Co. More than 2,300 Kroger operated pharmacies and in-store Little Clinic health care centers, including 81 Ralphs pharmacies, are participating in the health and wellness partnership with Feeding America.

"Ralphs has a long history of giving back to the communities our stores serve," says Kendra Doyel, vice president of Corporate Affairs for Ralphs. "The partnership between our pharmacies and Feeding America allows us to continue our tradition of community giving by protecting our customers' health and providing a meal to a hungry person for every flu shot administered."

Every year in the United States more than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized by influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone six months and older by the end of October. Flu shots can reduce the risk of more serious symptoms and outcomes, including flu-related hospitalizations.

"Helping our customers protect themselves and their families by offering flu vaccinations is another way Ralphs Pharmacies make it easy and affordable to find health and wellness solutions in our stores," says Rebecca Cupp, pharmacy director for Ralphs. "Now with our partnership with Feeding America we can also help in the fight to end hunger in our communities."