Kroger Co. has established $5 million dollar fund for improving diversity, equity and inclusion in the wake of George Floyd protests nationwide.
Fund will work through The Kroger Co. Foundation
“I don’t know what it feels like to walk in somebody else’s shoes. What I do know is it’s my responsibility to help Kroger be part of the solution,” said Chairman and CEO of Kroger Co. Rodney McMullen during an address to Kroger associates and customers today.
Kroger’s CEO did not say how the $5 million dollar fund would be used, but announced additional guides and resources would be made available for employees.
The steps announced by Kroger’s head leadership come less than a week after a Bourbonnais store employee was terminated by the company following comments made on social media in the wake of the death of George Floyd and protests around the Country.
“The senseless killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many more, too many more across our country, has shaken us to our core. We share in feelings of sadness, fear and outrage. We must use our voice to express that we are against racism and injustice against the black community. We can and we must do better as a company, community and country.” McMullen said. “As CEO, it starts with me.”
“To our black associates, customers, and allies, we see you, we hear you, we support you, and I stand with you.” McMullen said Friday.
To our Black associates, customers and allies: We are committed to doing better as a company to support racial equity and justice. Today, we are establishing a $5 million fund through The Kroger Co. Foundation for improving diversity, equity and inclusion: https://t.co/qBt8h9v1MX pic.twitter.com/XSRLhnKZjv
— Kroger (@kroger) June 5, 2020
