Kroger Co. Foundation supports urban agriculture in West Louisville by investing $25,000 to support the Louisville Urban League (LUL) urban farming initiative, Project Kilimo. The project will strengthen community health, economic empowerment, and food equity by connecting residents to growing opportunities, fresh produce, farm-to-table cooking and nutrition education, waste reduction strategies, and practical entrepreneurship education in the food sector.

This investment will be used to develop the Project Kilimo farm infrastructure, deliver cooking and nutritional education that integrates fresh foods and affordable options, provide farming education workshops to teach residents how to grow their own vegetables and herbs to supplement purchased groceries, and support its entrepreneurship program for small food product businesses.

“The West End continues to face significant barriers to healthy food access, and the Urban League is committed to tackling food insecurity and wellness on multiple fronts,” said LUL President and CEO Lyndon Pryor. “Through policy advocacy, addressing childhood obesity, securing local plots to provide community gardens, and community partnerships like this one, the League is helping to close the gap on food insecurity.”

As the only grocer with a presence in West Louisville, many families rely on the W Broadway and N 35th Street locations for nutritious food. Kroger understands the importance of access to quality food and the impact urban farming can have on the community.  

“At Kroger, we believe everyone deserves access to fresh, affordable food and the knowledge to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. That is why we are proud to support the Louisville Urban League and Project Kilimo,” said Jessica Sharp, Head of Communications & Public Affairs for the Kroger Louisville Division. “This investment goes beyond building farm infrastructure. It helps create opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and long-term food security. Together, we are strengthening West Louisville by connecting neighbors to fresh food, practical skills, and a healthier future.” 

The Kroger team also invested 40 hours of sweat equity to help prepare the Project Kilimo farm for spring. Teammates pulled weeds, tilled the soil, and mulched garden beds in preparation for planting. “We appreciate their dedication of time and effort,” said Marquise James, Project Kilimo Farm Manager. “The community garden brings people together, and we are happy for the many hands to help keep this effort going.”

About the Louisville Urban League
The Louisville Urban League assists Black people and those at the margins in attaining social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy. For more information, visit lul.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

About Kroger
Kroger Louisville Division operates 116 retail food stores in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, and Southern Illinois. Our 19,000 division associates are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit, serving the region through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. Fortune magazine named Kroger the “most generous company in America,” and The Reputation Institute ranked Kroger among the Top 100 of America’s Most Reputable Companies. For more information, visit kroger.com. To learn more about The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), visit our newsroom and investor relations site.