CINCINNATI — Kroger has launched its annual hunger awareness campaign, which is expected to generate $4 million in cash and food donations this year.

The Bringing Hope to the Table campaign, which kicked off Sunday and will run for two weeks, is designed to assist 80 local food banks — which are members of Feeding America — in communities where Kroger's customers and associates live and work. Since 2006, Kroger has contributed $30 million in food and funds to local food banks through the annual campaign.

"Bringing Hope to the Table is a unique opportunity for our customers and Kroger to join together to feed our hungry neighbors," said Lynn Marmer, Kroger's group VP corporate affairs and a member of the board of Feeding America. "We're proud that through this campaign, our customers, associates and vendors unite to provide resources to local food banks that support our communities."