Grocery stores often struggle to sell all their perishable items. Fresh fruits, meats, and baked goods can spoil before they find buyers, leading to huge amounts of food waste. But Kroger is taking a different approach to tackle this issue.
Kroger is a leader in the effort to reduce food waste. Through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, the company donates unsold food to local hunger relief agencies. This nonprofit, established in 2017, has already provided 3.9 billion meals and donated 815 million pounds of fresh food. Its mission is simple: feed communities and cut down on waste.
Kroger collaborates with organizations like Feeding America and No Kid Hungry to amplify its efforts. Customers can also contribute by donating to the foundation online or at checkout. So far, the foundation has given over $70 million to food charities aimed at ending hunger and food waste.
Partnerships to Reduce Food Waste
Kroger has teamed up with Flashfood to further minimize food waste. In 2025, they began a pilot program in Richmond, Virginia, placing Flashfood storage units in 16 Kroger stores. This allowed shoppers to buy near-expiration items at a discount using the Flashfood app. During the pilot, they redirected 350,000 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Due to this success, the partnership expanded in April 2026 to over 100 locations across several states, including Virginia and Ohio. Flashfood will even offer free virtual nutrition classes for Kroger shoppers in the future. As of 2026, Flashfood is available in over 2,000 grocery stores nationwide.
Food waste is a significant issue, with grocery stores discarding about 74 million tons of unsold food annually. Using the Flashfood app can help shoppers save money while reducing waste, providing a win-win situation.
Current Trends and User Reactions
Social media is buzzing about grocery store sustainability initiatives. Many users express excitement over discounts through apps like Flashfood, sharing their experiences online. A recent survey indicated that over 60% of consumers prefer grocery stores that take steps to reduce food waste. This growing concern highlights the importance of sustainable practices not just for the environment but also for customer loyalty.
Recent statistics show that food waste costs U.S. households nearly $1,500 each year. Reducing it through both donations and smart purchasing can help balance grocery budgets and support those in need.
Experts agree: tackling food waste is essential for creating a fairer, more sustainable food system. By shining a light on these issues and implementing innovative solutions, grocery stores like Kroger can lead the way for others.
