LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro government is teaming up with The Kroger Company to provide financial empowerment services to residents across the city.
The Kroger and Bank On Louisville Food and Financial Access Program will supply on-site outreach for customers of Kroger’s Mobile Markets, which travel to neighborhoods with limited access to food.
The program will officially launch Thursday, July 13, at the Avenue Plaza Apartments, 400 S. 8th St., with a press event beginning at 1 p.m. The press event will include representatives from Kroger, the Metro Office of Financial Empowerment, Dare to Care Food Bank and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg.
“This partnership is an excellent example of government and private industry coming together to solve problems,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Kroger has shown its commitment to Louisville through its Mobile Markets, which provide a much-needed food resource in areas that lack access to healthy foods, and we are thrilled to partner with them to bring necessary financial empowerment education to these same customers. This partnership will increase equity and prosperity for people who need it most.”
Kroger’s Mobile Markets are small grocery stores on wheels visiting neighborhoods with limited or no access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods. Mobile Market customers can board the vehicle to shop for fresh produce and staple food items, and they can pay by debit card, credit card, or Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).
Financial services and information available at Kroger Mobile Market sites will include:
- Free financial counseling from the Louisville Financial Empowerment Center
- Free tax preparation services from the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA)
- Access to Bank On Louisville’s certified banking products across 10 financial institutions in the Louisville market
- Free financial coaching and counseling for people with disabilities
In addition to access to its Mobile Markets, Kroger is giving an initial $5,000 toward implementing the Kroger and Bank On Louisville Food and Financial Access Program.
“Financial health and security influences all aspects of our lives,” said Erin Waddell, Social Service Policy and Advocacy Manager for the Office of Financial Empowerment. “Pairing access to food with financial services is a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful impact for people in a way that is easy and convenient for them. We’re excited to collaborate with a trusted community company like Kroger to make accessing financial services easier for our neighbors.”
The Louisville Metro Office of Financial Empowerment’s mission is to strengthen the impact of the Office of Resilience and Community Services through enhanced economic opportunities that build financial resilience, promote economic justice, and provide access to high-quality resources.
