ATLANTA, GA - Kroger is partnering, throughout the summer months, with Growing America’s Farmers to provide college scholarships through the national Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization. The partnership allows for a portion of every sale of GR Vidalia® Sweet Onions to be donated toward FFA scholarships in Georgia and across the nation.

“At Kroger, our purpose is to feed the human spirit by taking care of the communities we serve,” said Felix Turner, Manager of Corporate Affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “This partnership is near and dear to our hearts as South Georgia is home to the renowned Vidalia onion. It allows us to support regional agriculture, as well as help provide opportunities for students to continue their education in production agriculture. It is our hope that these students will become farm owners and operators we can feature in our Kroger stores in the future.”

According to the retailer’s press release, GR Farms has been recognized as Georgia's oldest grower, packer, shipper, and marketer of Vidalia onions founded in 1945. The Dasher Family plants approximately 1,000 acres of the famous crop each year. Until the end of May, product will be on sale in participating Kroger stores across the south, including Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

“I have been so humbled and blown away by the support we have received, and I am really excited about what we have done—and are doing—for the future of the American farmer,” said Walt Dasher, Founder of Growing America’s Farmers. “The state of Georgia is privileged to have these two great Georgia Grown companies supporting America’s young farmers. Investing in our future farmers helps sustain production agriculture for generations to come and ensures the preservation of our strong economy and rural communities.”

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black also expressed his excitement for the partnership.

“By partnering with the Kroger and the FFA, Growing America’s Farmers is able to offer scholarships nationwide,” said Black.

Kroger customers can put their fresh Vidalia onions to use while helping support future farmers with Chef John’s recipe for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Glazed Vidalia Onions:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Flank steak
• 1 Vidalia onion, sliced
• 1 Clove garlic, minced
• 2-Cups oil
• 2 Tbsp. Rosemary Chopped
• 1 Tbsp. Pepper

METHOD:

Combine all ingredients and let marinate for 30 minutes. Season with salt prior to grilling. Grill on high heat until desired degree of doneness. Use a meat thermometer inserted in side of steak—medium rare 140 F.

• 2 Large Vidalia onions
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 tbsp. Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onions in oil until well caramelized. Deglaze pan with balsamic vinegar, until reduced completely. Season with thyme, salt and pepper.

For updates on the Kroger and Growing America’s Farmers partnership, keep tuning into AndNowUKnow.

Kroger Growing America’s Farmers