The Kroger Company Zero Hunger/Zero Waste Foundation Innovation Fund will make available $2.5 million in funding for startups that have solutions to minimize food waste and enhance food security.  The startups selected for funding were identified following a review of 145 applicants.

Successful applicants will be awarded $100,000 as seed grants and will then be eligible to receive a second tranche of $100,000 based on achievement.  Two startups will be selected for an opportunity to receive an additional $250,000 in funding after six months. 

Denice Osterhues, president of the Foundation stated, "the Innovation Fund is designed to support game-changing ideas for building a more efficient and sustainable future food system for people and our planet".  The foundation will function in collaboration with Village Capital that supports innovation to reduce waste. Kelly Bryan, manager of sustainability at the fund stated, "we are providing funding and wraparound development and mentorship opportunities to provide these entrepreneurs and future food industry leaders the very best start possible for their businesses".