Did you know? Kroger has been a staple in the Lexington community for more than 90 years. With 115 stores and more than 19,000 associates in the Louisville Division extending into Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, the franchise strives to make a positive, social + charitable impact both nationally and locally.
Kroger partners with local organizations like Dare to Care to deliver nutritious goods to neighborhoods with limited or no access to fresh fruits +vegetables. | Photo provided by Kroger
By the numbers 📈
Here’s how Kroger gave back to the community on a national scale in 2021:
$16.4 million: Grant dollars Kroger gave to 370 nonprofit organizations in 24 states to fund multiple avenues of community support.
30,000: Volunteer hours by store engagement teams at organizations near to their hearts.
640 million: Meals Kroger directed (in addition to funds) to nonprofits. Since 2017, they’ve directed 1.6 billion meals to communities in need.
100%: Percentage of proceeds donated by customers and associates that went directly to each charitable organization (bonus: all 100% tax deductible).
Kroger’s local impact 🍽️
From supporting food pantries on college campuses to partnerships with local businesses and organizations, Kroger is committed to helping the people live better lives in the communities they serve. Here’s how:
Kroger Community Rewards: Shoppers can add a local organization to their Kroger Shopper’s card and Kroger will donate to that organization — at no cost to the consumer. $3.6 million is raised annually through this initiative.
Zero Hunger | Zero Waste: To honor Kroger’s company-wide commitment to creating communities free of hunger and waste by 2025, this program redirects food, funds, and products soless goes into the trash + more goes into the hands of community members who need it.
Honoring local veterans: As a way to thank veterans for their service, Kroger works with organizations like the USO and Warrior Homesteads. Plus,Kroger has hired 45,000 veterans since 2009.
In-store healthcare clinic: Kroger is investing in community health + wellness through theirin-store clinic with Board-Certified healthcare providers available for diagnostic treatment and prevention (think: illnesses, screenings, minor injuries + more).
Kroger’s goal is to “Feed the Human Spirit” by supporting non-profit organizations that help our community. | Photo provided by Kroger
WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour | Mon., Aug. 1 | 6:45 p.m. | Lyric Theatre, 300 E. 3rd St. | $10 | Enjoy a live radio hour hosted by folk singer Michael Johnson featuring Rhonda Vincent + the Rage. 🎶
Summer Playground Days | Mon., Aug. 1 | 2-4 p.m. | Marlboro Park, 1870 Benton Pl. | Free | Support local parks with engaging + educational activities from the Lexington Parks and Recreation staff.
Tuesday
Walk and Talk Book Club | Tues., Aug. 2 | 10-11 a.m. | Lexington Public Library, Village Branch, 1801 Alexandria Dr., Suite 136 | Free | Walk + exchange book recommendations of any genre. 📚
Wednesday
Springhouse Music Series | Wed., Aug. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Castle and Key Distillery, 4445 McCracken Pike | Prices vary | Kick back on the Springhouse lawn with a cocktail + enjoy live music from Jeri Howell.
Thursday
Chicago | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Lexington Opera House | $36+ | A night of jazz, murder, and mystery in this iconic musical performed by the Lexington Theatre Company. 🎭
Friday
Back to School Block Party | Fri., Aug. 5 | 5-9 p.m. | Greyline Station, 101 W. Loudon Ave. | Free | Bring school supplies to donate to FCPS + enjoy music, drinks, food, and shopping from local vendors. ✏️
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
You can’t go wrong with some Old Kentucky Kettle Corn. | Photo by the LEXtoday
Hey, y’all. City Editor Molly here. 👋
Yesterday, I went to the Crave Food + Music Festival and stuffed my face with delicious local food for a couple of hours. I’m glad it was spread out throughout Masterson Station Park so I was able to get some steps in as well. Even though I’ve lived in + around Lexington for the majority of my life, this was my first time, but certainly won’t be my last.
Here are a few highlights —
The live music stage created a lively ambiance + provided the perfect place to pause while you eat.
There was a huge variety of vendors and food options. My personal favorite dish was the shrimp and grits from Lady Remoulade. And of course, I had to get some ice cream from Sav’s Chill.
The app was so helpful in keeping me updated on new bands hitting the stage + allowed me to easily reload my Crave Bucks to get more grub.
Pro tip: Where comfy shoes + stretchy clothes for maximum culinary enjoyment. Also, keep an eye out for next year’s dates.
NEWS NOTES
Weather
86º | Morning thunderstorms | 34% chance of rain
Award
The city of Lexington was named the 2021 prestigious Sister City International Best Overall Award for a city of its size.The honoris given to cities that advance the mission of theSister Cities International organization + was awarded at the Annual Business Meeting in early July. 🏆
List
Congratulations to Berea which was recently featured on Garden & Gun Magazine’s list of “Small towns with big art scenes.” The magazine cited Berea’s Kentucky Artisan Center + the Berea Public Art Tour, saying it’s a “quaint town with a rich heritage of craft and inclusion.” (Garden & Gun)
Cause
A lot of local businesses including — Manchester Coffee Co., Morton James, and Pivot Brewing — are collecting items for those affected by the flooding in Eastern Kentucky. We’ll be updating our list of where you can drop off items locally, here. If you know of any others please let us know.
Active
Did you know?John’s Run/Walk Shop, 317 S. Ashland Ave., hosts group runs twice a week. Join the Chevy Chase Run Group on Tuesdays + Thursdays at 6 p.m. — runners and walkers of all levels and paces are welcome. 👟
Community
Be sure to tune in this Fri., Aug. 5 at 12 p.m. for the next Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting. The BPAC — which consists of community members + state and local government — provides guidance on bicycle and pedestrian projects. Reach out to BPAC’s coordinator Scott with questions. 🚲
Regional
Appalshop, an Eastern Kentucky art + multimedia education group,has created a local list of resources to help those experiencing the devastating flooding. The list includes places to donate water, personal care items, and cleaning supplies as well as monetary relief.
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Editor’s pick: I just wanted to say thank you so much to all of the businesses who teamed up with us + Lexingtonians who sipped with us, for our for first-ever Drink Up Week. I had a blast making my own marg at Old North Bar + cheersing in the beer garden at The Grove. I hope you all are as happy + hydrated as I am.
Missed Friday’s newsletter? Learn how to earn free stuff by drinking local beer.
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