Seeking to “cushion” customers from rising food costs this holiday season, The Kroger Co. has launched a “zero-compromise” shopping guide, which it says can feed 10 people for as little as $5 per person. While the Cincinnati-based grocer, estimates the cost of turkey has risen 20 cents per pound this year, Kroger says it will not shift the rising cost to customers.
"At Kroger, we are committed to making the holiday season memorable and accessible for everyone," said Stuart Aitken, Kroger senior vice president and chief merchant and marketing officer, in a news release. "We strive to keep prices low every day, and this Thanksgiving, we are helping our customers keep turkey at the center of the plate by not passing on rising turkey costs. Whether making a timeless family recipe or creating a gourmet spread for guests, we promise our customers fresh, high-quality ingredients to make their holiday meals easy, affordable and delicious."
According to 84.51°, Kroger's retail and data science, insights and media arm, 48% of customers surveyed plan to cut back on at least some Thanksgiving staples due to inflationary pressures.
Produce is part of Kroger’s customer guide designed to build affordable meals this Thanksgiving. The money-saving menu includes:
- Turkey
- Rolls
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potatoes
- Corn
- Mac and cheese
- Pumpkin Pie
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Cranberry sauce
The guide features the grocer's Our Brands products and “covers all the staples families need to create memorable and delicious holiday meals at an incredible value,” according to the release.
In addition to everyday savings, Kroger says it has also increased total promotions, digital deals, personalized offers and expanded fuel points savings throughout the holidays to keep purchase prices low.
Kroger said shoppers will receive more savings, including the Kroger 5X event beginning Nov. 16, which allows customers to use digital coupons up to five times as well as four times the fuel points on gift card purchases for a limited time only.
In support of its mission to create communities free from hunger and waste, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation said it will donate $100,000 or the equivalent of one million meals to Feeding America this season and invites shoppers to join in its mission to fight food insecurity with its holiday fundraising campaign: Give Happy Holiday Memories One Meal at a Time.
From now until Dec. 24, customers in participating divisions will have the opportunity to contribute, with 100% of donations going directly to local hunger relief organizations, including Feeding America member food banks.
"Experiencing food insecurity can be especially painful and isolating during the holidays," Aitken said. "We are proud to assist in easing that burden for many families this season, and it brings us immense joy to be part of their holidays. Kroger is overwhelmingly grateful to customers who share in our mission and graciously contribute even when they are trying to stretch their budgets."
Donations can be made at checkout with Kroger associates, self-checkout or online. Customers can also get their Thanksgiving ingredients now by shopping in-store, through Kroger Pickup or delivered using Boost by Kroger, the annual grocery delivery membership that offers two times the fuel points and can save customers more than $1,000 per year on fuel and grocery delivery, according to the release.