The Kroger Co. has directed a total of $301 million in food and funds to communities in 2020, according to the grocer’s 2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance report. In addition, Kroger decreased total carbon emissions by 11.6 percent and spent $4.1 billion with diverse suppliers, a 21 percent increase over the previous year.
"As a grocery retailer, Kroger is committed to advancing positive impacts for people and our planet and to creating more resilient global systems," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO, in a statement. "Even throughout a difficult year, our team continued to make progress on our goals while still playing a key role in providing fresh food and essential goods to our communities."
The 2021 report features the company's ESG strategy, which encompasses topics and long-term targets in three pillars: People (Social), Planet (Environmental), and Systems (Governance).
"Our strategic approach to ESG priorities is rooted in creating business value and uplifting our associates, customers, and communities," said Keith Dailey, Kroger's group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer, in a statement. "We are acutely focused on how we will further advance our purpose to feed the human spirit as a leading retailer, employer, and community partner."
Related: Kroger Names Accelerator Cohort Members; Kroger Partners With Ghost Kitchen Company.
Image: The Kroger Co.