RICHMOND, Va – Kroger Mid-Atlantic today announced a $40,000 donation to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s Culturally Familiar Food (CFF) initiative, a program that started in 2021 and has expanded significantly each year. The donation will bolster the Food Bank’s ability to source food that supports the diverse cultural needs of those experiencing food insecurity throughout its service area. It is estimated that Kroger Mid-Atlantic’s donation will help cover the cost of this program for three months. 

Many of the localities throughout the Food Bank’s service area have substantial immigrant and refugee communities. The Food Bank used census data to identify counties and cities where Hispanic/Latinx populations, foreign-born individuals, and non-English speaking individuals live and developed a list of foods to prioritize offering in 2023.

 In 2019, the Food Bank began assessing the need for CFF, conducting focus groups with partners and other nonprofit and governmental agencies. This assessment identified a lack of CFF as one of the primary challenges serving people experiencing food insecurity.

 “Kroger’s support bolsters our ability to source and provide culturally familiar foods to our guests of different backgrounds and dietary needs,” said Greg Knight, food sourcing manager for the Food Bank. “Providing food that honors their respective traditions and cultures is integral to the Food Bank’s mission of ensuring everyone feels welcomed and accepted when seeking food assistance.”

 Kroger Mid-Atlantic is proud to sponsor this innovative initiative and its role serving diverse populations.

 “We are pleased to support the Food Bank’s culturally familiar foods initiative, as it aligns with our efforts to serve diverse populations across the Mid-Atlantic region,” said James Menees, corporate affairs manager for Kroger Mid-Atlantic. “Ensuring that appropriate food options are accessible to all communities is a top priority, and we know this partnership can provide expanded food offerings to those served by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.”