Kroger has donated $100,000 to Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to fight hunger in the local area. This gift, announced on August 23, 2025, will help provide meals to families in need amid rising food costs and economic pressures.
The Major Gift and Its Timing
Community Harvest Food Bank received the large donation from Kroger during a time when demand for food assistance has spiked. Officials shared the news at a recent event, highlighting how the funds will support daily operations.
Carmen Cumberland, the CEO of Community Harvest, expressed her joy over the contribution. She noted that it comes at a crucial moment, as more people turn to the food bank for help. The donation aligns with Kroger’s long-standing efforts to reduce hunger nationwide.
This gift builds on a partnership that has lasted for years. Kroger has supported the food bank through various programs, including produce donations and cash gifts. In 2025, with food insecurity affecting about 13 percent of Indiana households according to recent state reports, such support proves vital.
The funds will go toward buying food, maintaining distribution sites, and expanding outreach. Community Harvest serves nine counties in Northeast Indiana, distributing millions of pounds of food each year.
Impact on Local Families
The $100,000 will make a real difference for people like Lee Arnold, a retired resident who relies on the food bank. Arnold shared that money is tight for him, and he visits regularly to get by.
Many in Fort Wayne face similar challenges. Economic data from 2025 shows that inflation has driven up grocery prices by over 5 percent in the region, pushing more families to seek aid.
This donation could provide around 400,000 meals, based on standard food bank estimates where one dollar equals about four meals. It helps bridge gaps for working families, seniors, and children who might otherwise go without.
Community leaders point out that food banks have seen a 20 percent increase in visitors this year. The gift ensures that no one gets turned away, as Cumberland emphasized.
Beyond immediate relief, the funds support programs like mobile distributions and farm-to-table initiatives. These efforts bring fresh produce to underserved areas, improving nutrition and health outcomes.
Voices from Those Involved
Eric Halvorson, a Kroger spokesperson, explained the motivation behind the donation. He has seen the need firsthand over his nine years with the company and stressed the importance of community partnerships.
Arnold, a regular visitor, praised the gift and challenged misconceptions about those in need. He noted that many people are just one paycheck away from hardship.
Cumberland added that the donation renews hope for the food bank’s team. Volunteers and staff work tirelessly, and this boost helps them serve more effectively.
Stories like these show the human side of hunger relief. In Fort Wayne, where unemployment hovers around 4 percent in 2025, such support prevents crises for vulnerable groups.
Kroger’s Broader Commitment to Hunger Relief
Kroger’s action fits into its Zero Hunger Zero Waste plan, launched to end hunger in served communities by 2025. The company has donated millions to food banks across the U.S. this year alone.
Recent examples include:
- A $200,000 gift to food programs in Ohio last month.
- Partnerships with railroads for additional grants, like a $10,000 award to Community Harvest from another donor.
- In-store drives that collected thousands of pounds of food nationwide.
This latest donation continues a trend. In 2024, Kroger gave another $100,000 to the same food bank during a store upgrade event.
| Year | Donation Amount | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $100,000 | Supported store ribbon-cutting and local distributions |
| 2025 | $100,000 | Provides 400,000 meals amid rising demand |
| 2023 | $80,000 | Funded farm wagon updates for better outreach |
Kroger encourages customers to round up purchases or donate at checkout, adding to these efforts.
Challenges and Future Needs
Despite this positive step, food banks face ongoing hurdles. Federal funding delays have created shortfalls, with some programs projecting deficits up to $45,000 in 2025.
Community Harvest has adapted by updating distribution schedules and seeking more grants. A recent $200,000 state award helped, but leaders remain cautious about future budgets.
Experts predict that without continued support, hunger rates could rise further due to economic shifts. Local nonprofits call for more community involvement to sustain these vital services.
Share your thoughts on this story or ways you’ve helped fight hunger in the comments below. If it moved you, pass it along to friends and family to spread awareness.
