To help meet the food needs of students, Salt Lake Education Foundation with Smith’s Food & Drug is providing over 4,000 meals to feed young people in need who may be food insecure or negatively impacted as a result of inflation and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Approximately 1 in 9 children in Utah struggle with hunger and are unable to concentrate, have poor attendance and suffer anxiety. These students often fall behind academically, drop out before graduation, exhibit behavior problems and experience substance abuse issues.

“We help provide solutions to the needs of these students with partners like Smith’s,” said James Yapias, Director of Development Office & Salt Lake Education Foundation. “Our Foundation is appreciative of Smith’s continued support.”

The donation from Smith’s Food & Drug Stores supports the company’s visionary Zero Hunger | Zero Waste plan which is aiming to end hunger in communities and eliminate waste across the company by 2025.

“Smith’s is eager to support school children who have been disproportionately impacted by food insecurities,” said Aubriana Martindale, Smith’s Corporate Affairs Manager. “We are proud to support the mission of Salt Lake Education Foundation by providing meals to help nourish students and allow them to focus on their future.”

About Smith’s Food & Drug Stores
At Smith’s Food & Drug, a company of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. In everything we do, we’re guided by our values and our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit. We strive to make decisions that balance the safety of our associates with our commitments to our customers and communities. And above all else, we’ll be there for our communities when they need us most.

About Salt Lake Education Foundation
The Salt Lake Education Foundation supports every student in the Salt Lake City School District, helping ensure that they achieve their goals both in and out of the classroom. The foundation relies on the support of the community to help students, whether it is volunteers helping with a school musical, gifts of food for families or funds to assist with elementary STEAM activities. For additional information, visit
www.saltlakeeducationfoundation.org.