Kroger pledges $1M to support families impacted by Los Angeles wildfires

The Kroger Family of Companies, including Southern California's Ralphs and Food4Less stores, says it has committed to raise $1 million for families affected by wildfires impacting the Los Angeles region.

"We strive to fulfill our purpose, to Feed the Human Spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes," Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen said in a news release. "Our associates are always among the first to support our communities during natural disasters, and the situation in Southern California is no different. I'm so proud of how quickly our teams have worked to reopen stores that were temporarily closed during the unfolding wildfire situation to ensure we're a resource for customers who need fresh food, pantry staples and necessities like water and ice. Our hearts are with everyone who is impacted by this tragedy — especially our team of associates and their extended families — and we are grateful to the first responders working so hard to protect our communities."

The Kroger Family of Companies is raising $1 million to support disaster relief and recovery, including $500,000 in company matching funds for donations from customers to benefit the American Red Cross and local Feeding America-affiliated food banks.

Kroger is providing an option for its customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout to benefit the Red Cross. Customers are also invited to donate online if their stores do not provide an option at checkout, the release said.

In addition to fundraising, Kroger said it is delivering food, water and supplies to local fire departments and evacuation centers. With the fires still raging, Ralphs and Food4Less will continue to work with law enforcement, emergency responders and community partners to provide additional aid without disrupting fire containment efforts, the release said.

To support the California National Guard being deployed to aid in disaster relief, the United Service Organizations is sending a Kroger and USO mobile canteen to Los Alamitos, Calif., to feed and support military first responders, and Kroger is providing gift cards to the USO to help provide needed food, water and supplies for the Mobile Canteen, the release said.

Every year, The Kroger Co. Foundation directs $500,000 in funding to the American Red Cross through its annual Disaster Giving Program to help the organization prepare for and respond to disasters across the U.S. the release said.