CINCINNATI – The Kroger Co. has provided new jobs to over 23,500 workers nationwide, many of whom were laid off from work in restaurants, hotels and foodservice distributors. The company also seeks to add an additional 20,000 employees across the United States. 

Kroger has formed employment partnerships with local, regional and national businesses belonging to the most affected industries from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The partnerships create a shared-resource model to temporarily flex employees to Kroger roles.  

Current Kroger partners include Frisch’s, Marriott International, McLane Foodservice, Shamrocks Food, Sodexo, SodexoMAGIC, Sysco, Thunderdome Restaurant Group and US Foods. 

"Kroger's top priority continues to be uplifting our associates and serving our communities, whether that's by ensuring customers always can find food and products on our shelves or by providing a nearly immediate job opportunity to help an unemployed person to begin working again," said Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president and chief people officer. "During this time of uncertainty, Kroger is committed to remaining a constant. We have a responsibility to our associates, customers and communities, and we will continue to be here for any need." 

The grocer has expedited its hiring process to shorten time between application and employment onboarding new hires in an average of 72 hours.