KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM SUPPORTS NONPROFITS DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

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Kroger Plus Shoppers Select USA Cares and Other Nonprofits to Earn Donations With Every Visit

With shoppers rushing to pick up food and household items in response to the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus pandemic, programs like Kroger’s Community Rewards program are ensuring nonprofits like USA Cares can continue providing aid to those who seek their services.

“As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increase, so will the requests we receive for assistance from veterans and their families,” said Aubrey Gonzalez, Communications Manager for USA Cares. “When USA Cares initially formed, it was during a time of national crisis in response to a need. Now, as we’re faced with a global pandemic, it is imperative that we remember there are still people out there that need emergency help from nonprofits like ours, and it is up to us to find creative ways to have a positive impact and support one another.”

This is not the first time USA Cares and Kroger have shared common ground. USA Cares was formed in 2003 through a grassroots partnership between the Mid-South Division of Kroger Food Stores, WAVE-3 TV, and the Association of the United States Army Fort Knox Chapter. As the need for assistance grew among veterans, what initially began as “Kentuckiana Cares” evolved into what is now USA Cares.

Through Kroger’s Community Rewards program, Kroger Plus card members can designate a nonprofit of their choice to receive funds from the grocery chain every time they shop. USA Cares is among the Kentuckiana-based nonprofits that shoppers can elect to receive funds. Through this program, Kroger is making it easy to support the veterans and military families who rely on USA Cares for emergency aid. Once you link your card to USA Cares, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Plus Card. This program is free for Kroger Plus Cardmembers, and designating a nonprofit to benefit from Community Rewards will not affect the points a shopper earns to receive discounts on gas or other items.

Selecting USA Cares only takes a few simple steps. A digital account (an account through the Kroger mobile app or website) is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. For shoppers who already have a digital account, they will need to ensure they have a Plus Card linked to their account. If you’re already a Kroger Plus Card member, selecting USA Cares is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account. To select USA Cares, follow these easy steps:

– Sign in to your digital account on www.kroger.com or on your Kroger mobile app.
– For mobile users: From the home screen of your account, click the four squares icon  in the upper right of your screen and select “rewards.” Then select “community rewards.”
– For web users: From the home screen of your account, click your name in the upper right of the webpage, and select “my account.” On the next page, click the “community rewards” link on the left of the page.
– In the nonprofit search field, type in USA Cares or USA Cares’ nonprofit ID code, DF961
– Select USA Cares and click “save.”

“The health and safety of the veterans and families we serve, and that of our supporters and staff, is paramount,” said Trace Chesser, President/CEO of USA Cares. “Like many other nonprofits, USA Cares had a number of large fundraising events scheduled during March and April, which would have been a critical source of funding for veterans and military families. We felt it was necessary to postpone these events to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved, but like many other organizations, we still need funding to operate. That’s why Kroger’s Community Rewards program is so important. USA Cares was started through a partnership between Kroger and other local organizations, and through initiatives like their Community Rewards program, Kroger is continuing to show their support to nonprofits across the country.”

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to grow across the nation, Kroger and other grocery chains are providing alternate ways for customers to shop while socially distancing themselves, which includes grocery pickup and delivery options. If you have questions or need assistance in setting up your Kroger Community Rewards to support USA Cares, please email USA Cares at info@usacares.org and a team member will assist you.