Kroger Details Last Leg of Multi-Year Program

Kroger has Little Clinic locations in Indianapolis

The Kroger Co.’s (NYSE: KR) Central Division has detailed the distribution of $1.8 million as part of the final phase of a three-year effort to support local schools and organizations. The $5.3 million program began in 2014. This year’s strategy involves commitments to 11 "best in class" organizations that support K-12 education in the region.

The company says it completed two previous rounds of education strategies that began in 2009 and spanned five years. Its "best in class" recipients will get nearly $550,000 this year.

Kroger Central Division President Katie Wolfram says "strong support of education is an important responsibility for Kroger as a dedicated corporate citizen. Through today’s more than $1.8 million in commitments, we are determined to have a strong, positive and measurable impact on students’ core skills. Kroger is pleased to continue evolving our commitments to education through best in class partners who continue to excel, as well as adding new programs in 2016. We look forward to the catalytic impact of these investments in education and our own workforce of the future."

Last year, the grocery chain announced nearly $500 plans to build or renovate dozens of central Indiana locations, which it said will lead to more than 3,400 permanent jobs.