Kroger rolls out 2 new USO mobile food kitchens
Kroger and United Service Organizations are launching two new mobile food kitchens sponsored by Kroger to support military service members. Through this collaboration, the USO and Kroger provide nutritious meals to military members, whether they are supporting natural disaster relief, serving in remote locations or at basic training.
The Kroger Family of Companies is a longtime supporter of service members and military families, contributing more than $41 million to the USO through corporate funds and customer donations, making it the largest cumulative donor to the USO in the organization's 82-year history.
"Kroger is making a real difference for America's service members, from forward deployed bases to the kitchen tables of military families," said Brian Cowart, USO chief development and marketing officer.
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Kroger launched the first USO Mobile Food Kitchen in 2022, based in Atlanta, Ga. It has been in service throughout the year, including support for National Guard troops deployed to the Southeast to provide aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The new mobile food kitchens will make their way across the United States this month to be stationed in Kansas City, Kans., serving the Midwest and Salt Lake City, Utah, serving the West Coast.
"These mobile food kitchens provide a taste of home and feed the spirit of those who serve our country," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We are proud to support our troops through Kroger's longstanding collaboration with the USO and give back to the military members and families who have sacrificed so greatly for our freedom."
To celebrate Military Appreciation Month and the Midwestern USO Mobile Food Kitchen launch, more than 100 Kroger associates assembled 2,500 care packages that the USO will distribute to service members as they head out or return from deployments in the coming year.
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The Mobile USO Program brings the programs and services of the USO directly to service members serving in remote areas and locations without a USO center. The vehicles, which operate in the United States and Europe, range in size from smaller sprinter vans to large recreational vehicles and provide a wide array of support capabilities. In 2022, 19 USO Mobile vehicles hosted more than 750 events.