Uniting for a Cause: Tackling Hunger in Cincinnati
In a powerful commitment to the community, Kellanova and Kroger have teamed up to fight food insecurity in the Cincinnati area by donating $20,000 to the Sam Hubbard Foundation. This contribution comes at a critical time when hunger continues to affect families throughout the region. The partnership highlights the commitment of both organizations to making a tangible impact on local communities, addressing the growing need for access to nutritious food and basic supplies for underserved students.
Kellanova, a leader in global snacking and breakfast foods, has aligned this initiative with its "Better Days™ Promise," which aims to create better futures for 4 billion people by 2030. The company’s commitment to addressing food insecurity is deeply rooted in its mission to ensure equitable food access for all. “Through our Kellanova Better Days Promise, we’re committed to feeding people in need, and we’re proud to partner with Kroger to support those facing hunger in our communities,” stated Molly Nichols, Senior Director of Kroger Sales at Kellanova.
Kroger, a household name in the grocery sector, is equally invested in this mission. Jenifer Moore, corporate affairs manager at Kroger, emphasized the importance of supporting local communities. The funds provided by Kellanova and Kroger will go directly to the Sam Hubbard Foundation's flagship program, Hubbard's Cupboards, which aims to provide healthy snacks, school supplies, and hygiene items to students in need. With the foundation's expansion to 21 schools by 2025, the donation will directly impact thousands of children, enabling them to focus on learning without the distraction of basic unmet needs.
Founded in 2020 by Cincinnati Bengals player Sam Hubbard, the Sam Hubbard Foundation has quickly become a vital force in tackling food insecurity and providing educational and health resources to underserved communities in Cincinnati. The foundation’s Hubbard’s Cupboards program was piloted in five schools during the 2022-2023 academic year and has since expanded due to overwhelming demand. The program’s partnership with Crayons to Computers and Kroger ensures that students facing challenges such as hunger or lack of school supplies receive timely support. Hubbard expressed gratitude for the collaboration, noting that the program allows students and teachers to focus on education and personal growth.
Food insecurity in Cincinnati mirrors a national trend that has worsened due to rising food prices and reductions in government assistance programs. In 2023, more than 20% of Cincinnatians faced food insecurity, with children disproportionately affected. Nationwide, 13.5% of households experienced food insecurity last year, a statistic that underscores the urgency of addressing this growing issue.
Local food pantries and nonprofits, like the Sam Hubbard Foundation, play a critical role in filling the gap for families who may not have access to federal assistance programs. According to Feeding America, the ripple effect of food insecurity reaches beyond hunger, affecting educational outcomes, mental health, and overall well-being. Partnerships like the one between Kellanova, Kroger, and the Sam Hubbard Foundation provide essential resources to help alleviate these challenges, particularly in high-need communities.
The $20,000 donation by Kellanova and Kroger to the Sam Hubbard Foundation is a shining example of how businesses can contribute to meaningful change in their communities. By supporting Hubbard's Cupboards, the partnership ensures that Cincinnati’s most vulnerable students have access to the essentials they need to succeed. With food insecurity continuing to be a significant issue in the region, efforts like this are essential for driving progress and helping families move forward.
As Cincinnati continues to face food insecurity challenges, this collaboration demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives. By leveraging corporate resources and nonprofit expertise, Kellanova, Kroger, and the Sam Hubbard Foundation are making strides toward a brighter, hunger-free future for all.