Dietitian-led service helps customers manage new eating routines during the COVID-19 pandemic

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT – April 20, 2021) – Smith’s in partnership with Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), is offering free telenutrition service to help customers shop for, prepare and enjoy healthy fresh and non-perishable foods during the COVID-19 crisis. The free telenutrition service is the latest offering from Kroger Health’s Food as Medicine platform.

During the pandemic, customers’ shopping styles, cooking preferences and eating routines have shifted. According to a customer trends report developed by 84.51°, Kroger’s data science and analytics business:

  • 51% are cooking and baking more often than before the crisis, while 45% are cooking the same amount. Just 4% are cooking less often;
  • 40% say they are eating more comfort and indulgent foods;
  • 40% of customers say they have purchased more packaged foods than they usually do;
  • 46% of customers say they are snacking more throughout the day.

To help customers manage and navigate the new normal, Kroger Health’s telenutrition service offers:

  • A complimentary virtual consultation with a registered dietitian via a two-way video chat;
  • Personalized support and plans for individuals and families — whether cooking for the first time, experiencing tighter budgets or navigating reduced access to fresh or favorite foods;
  • Management of food-related health concerns, including weight maintenance or loss, gastrointestinal conditions and eating disorders, and nutrition plans associated with fertility, oncology and more.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed shopping, cooking and eating routines for households across America,” said Jim Kirby, Kroger Health’s senior director. “Many families and individuals are for the first time exclusively relying on cooking for meals, some with limited budgets and nutrition knowledge. Through Kroger Health’s telenutrition service, our dietitians are providing free personalized nutrition advice to help our customers shop for and prepare delicious and affordable nutritious meals.”

The telenutrition service is free for all customers through the pandemic, including Medicare and Medicaid patients. Customers can schedule unlimited visits with the code “COVID.” To learn more about the telenutrition service or to sign up, visit krogerhealth.com/telenutrition.

About Kroger Health:
Kroger Health, the healthcare arm of The Kroger Co., is one of America’s leading retail healthcare organizations, with over 2,000 pharmacies and 200 clinics in 35 states serving more than 14 million customers. Our team of 22,000 healthcare practitioners – from pharmacists and nurse practitioners, to dietitians and technicians – help simplify healthcare by providing solutions that combine health, wellness, and nutrition, connecting with customers on an emotional and personal level. We’re also pioneering new work to help drive food as medicine in order to prevent illness before it starts. Learn more at www.krogerhealth.com.

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.

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