Kroger Invests in UK Big Blue Pantry, Student Wellness

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 29, 2020) — The Kroger Company has joined forces with the University of Kentucky to invest as an official partner of the Big Blue Pantry — a campus facility that provides food insecure students with nonperishable goods.

The mission of the Big Blue Pantry is to provide support and awareness for food insecure students across campus, as well as to educate the broader student population about hunger. Any UK student, with a valid UK ID, is eligible to receive goods from the pantry.

Studies have indicated food insecurity is a challenge on campuses across the country and at UK. The Big Blue Pantry and Kroger are working to change that on UK's campus.

“In 2017, Kroger launched our Zero Hunger, Zero Waste commitment. This commitment focuses on ending hunger in the communities we serve and eliminating waste from our stores by 2025. It is shocking that 40% of the food produced in the U.S. goes uneaten, yet 1 in 8 Americans struggle with hunger. We all must do our part to change this,” said Erin Grant, Kroger corporate affairs manager.

Kroger has invested greatly into the program, updating the physical space by installing new shelving, décor, donating both refrigerator and freezer units, as well as office furniture and storage. These changes enable the pantry to better serve students as well as foster a more welcoming environment.

“Kroger being willing to invest in our pantry shows the students that the community cares about them and wants to help them meet their goals of being successful college students without having to worry about skipping or missing meals,” said Abby Essinger, assistant director of UK's Center for Community Outreach, which operates the pantry.

Because of the support from Kroger, the pantry is now able to offer a larger assortment and variety of goods, including a greater inventory of both dry and cold-storage items.

The collaboration strengthens the university’s commitment to basic needs and builds upon their strong relationship with Kroger.

“As we worked with Kroger on the naming of the football stadium, it was important to both of us that the relationship extend to campus — aligning the vision and mission of the university with Kroger to the betterment of student, faculty and staff,” said Kim Shelton, president of UK Sports & Campus Marketing at JMI Sports.

The Big Blue Pantry opened its doors in 2014, annually continuing to grow in number of visitors and meals provided. The pantry is located in the basement of the White Hall Classroom Building and is funded by third parties and monetary donations.

To make a donation to the Big Blue Pantry Gift Fund or to learn more, please visit www.ukcco.org/programs/bigbluepantry/ or contact Abby Essinger at Abigail.Essinger@uky.edu.