CINCINNATI, OH - May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, and Kroger Foundation’s Racial Equity Fund is celebrating with a $1 million grant to The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). Committed to creating greater opportunities and prosperity for AAPI communities, TAAF and its mission powerfully align with Kroger’s Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

"TAAF's work is in lockstep with the Kroger Foundation's commitment to building more equitable, inclusive communities," said Keith Dailey, President of The Kroger Co. Foundation and Kroger's Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "The Kroger Foundation is proud to stand with TAAF in its mission to end the cycle of hate and create belonging in the AAPI community and to increase awareness around anti-Asian bias, harassment, and violence. Our Foundation is proud to play a small role in advancing their efforts."

TAAF was established in May 2021 and is committed to serving AAPI communities by building the infrastructure necessary to improve advocacy, power, and representation, a press release explained. The organization seeks to fill critical gaps in support for AAPIs, as less than 0.5 percent of charitable giving from foundations goes to these communities. It also focuses on several strategic priority areas, including combating anti-AAPI hate, education, narrative change, cross-racial solidarity, and unlocking more resources for AAPI communities.

Kroger’s recent commitment was celebrated at an event sponsored by Kroger’s Asian Associate Resource Group (ARG) to honor AAPI Heritage Month, featuring Kroger Board Director Secretary Elaine Chao.

“The Kroger Foundation's generous commitment to the safety and well-being of AAPI communities is so important in this moment, both as anti-AAPI violence continues to surge and as acts of violence targeting marginalized Americans are taking place at alarming rates," said TAAF Chief Executive Officer Norman Chen. "It was two years ago this week that George Floyd was murdered, one year ago that the Atlanta spa-shootings occurred, and still acts of mass violence that are leaving communities of color wondering if we'll ever feel safe in America—if we'll ever feel that we belong. At TAAF, we want to create that permanent sense of belonging that is free from discrimination, slander, and violence, and so we are grateful to have The Kroger Foundation's support as we pursue that all-too-important mission."

To learn more about Kroger’s efforts, click here.

How will Kroger contribute to underserved communities next? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for answers.

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