Special to the
Opelika Observer
Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina, is hiring new associates to help keep stores stocked with fresh, affordable food and essentials – and urges those in industries hard hit by COVID-19, such restaurants, hospitality and travel, to apply for open positions. Those interested may apply at jobs.kroger.com.
Additionally, Kroger stores in Georgia, eastern Alabama and South Carolina are not limiting hours at this time.
“We want to emphasize that customers should not panic. The supply chain is strong and has not been interrupted,” said Felix Turner manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “Our associates, management team and suppliers are working hard to replenish shelves as quickly as possible to ensure that the food, medicine and cleaning supplies are reaching our stores as quickly as possible and are available through our pickup, delivery and ship services. We will be there for our communities when they need us most.”
To help address the gap in funding to combat food insecurity nationwide, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation (the “Foundation”) announced a $3 million commitment last week to rapidly deploy hunger-relief resources to communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“We are mindful that the coronavirus pandemic may result in more of our neighbors struggling with food insecurity during this challenging time – and we want to help. That is why The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation is directing $3 million, its largest commitment to date, to rapidly deploy hunger-relief resources to food-insecure communities across the country,” said Keith Dailey, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs.
Additional Information About Kroger’s Response to COVID-19:
In Our Stores:
We are cleaning commonly used areas more often, including cashier stations, self-checkouts, credit card terminals, conveyor belts and food service counters, and cleaning shelves when restocking products.
We’re working with suppliers to replenish the items customers are looking for quickly.
Taking it a step further in our stores:
-Continuing to provide our customers with free disinfectant wipes at our store entrances to sanitize their shopping carts or baskets.
-Following best practices for safe food handling, as always.
We’re Putting our People First:
We are enacting an Emergency Leave Guidelines policy, allowing paid time off:
-For associates diagnosed with COVID-19. Associates placed under mandatory quarantine by their medical provider or by a public health authority because of exposure to COVID-19.
-Encouraging our associates to closely monitor their health and well-being.
-Asking our associates to stay home if they, or someone in their household, are sick.
-Providing financial support from our Helping Hands fund – a company-sponsored employee assistance fund – to associates who may be directly affected.
-Suspending business air travel for associates through April 15 and recommending virtual meetings.
Our associates are heroes doing everything they can in service of our customers and communities.
For more information and updates, visit www.kroger.com.