“We are excited about supporting the important work of MUST Ministries. This grant further demonstrates Kroger’s commitment to Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, our bold social impact program to create communities free of hunger and waste,” said Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “It is crucial to ensure families facing food insecurity have access to fresh, nutritious products. We would like to thank MUST Ministries for coming to The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Foundation with this innovative solution.”

"Kroger helped make this important feeding program a reality,” according to MUST President and CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. The pandemic has dramatically increased the demand for food and we served 37,000 clients last year in desperate need of meat, fresh produce, dairy and canned goods. The mobile MUST Neighborhood Pantry expands our reach considerably. We anticipate thousands more will receive much-needed free groceries at during our routes in several counties.”

Transportation is one of the greatest challenges families in crisis face in receiving food pantry assistance. Many families do not have vehicles and access to public transportation in some suburbs is negligible. The communities served by the food pantry bus are low income neighborhoods in Cobb and Cherokee Counties, including Fair Oaks, Smyrna, Austell, Mableton, Marietta, Woodstock and Canton.