Hundreds of local families in need, housebound seniors and Houstonians with disabilities will receive free groceries from Kroger this week as part of their effort to support the community affected by the recent loss of Jim’s Super Grocery Store to a fire in the South Union area of Houston.

Through a partnership with the City of Houston, Metro and the Houston Food Bank, several hundred families were identified as having reduced or no access to groceries, and with the support of Metro, will receive a supply of pantry staples delivered directly to their doorstep.

“When I heard about Jim’s Super burning down and how the surrounding community is being impacted, I knew we had to step in and help,” said Joe Kelley, president of Kroger Houston. “Access to food is a critical need – especially to our neighbors who may not access to transport and relied on the store being nearby. That’s why we are doing what we can to bring groceries into that area and to help those in our community who need it most.”

As part of the collective effort to lend a hand to communities, local restaurant Burns BBQ will provide food and refreshments to the large number of volunteers who have stepped up to support during this time of need.

“The South Union area has been greatly affected by the loss of a much loved, family run grocer. It’s times like these that we must come together to support the community,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This is an example of how local businesses and services can partner to serve those in need.”

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation recently announced a $3M donation to Feeding America and No Kid Hungry to rapidly deploy hunger relief resources to food insecure communities and food banks across the nation, including the Houston Food Bank. The funding will not only support local food banks, but also fund initiatives that ensure children, whose schools may be closed, still have access to nutritious meals.

Kroger customers who want to help can Round Up their total to the nearest dollar, with proceeds supporting the fight against hunger through the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation.