CINCINNATI, March 28, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co.
(NYSE: KR) today announced it earned a perfect score on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's national benchmarking tool for corporate
policies and practices supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
The annual survey assesses non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive
health care, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. Kroger met or exceeded all Corporate Equality
Index criteria, resulting in a perfect score of 100 and designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.
"This is a very proud moment for Kroger. We have worked to create a more inclusive work environment where every associate can
be their best self every day and this recognition reinforces our commitment," said Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president
of human resources and chief people officer. "It is also a testament to the thoughtful insight provided by our LGBTQ associates
and allies, who have shown us what we do well and where we can improve."
Kroger's LGBTQ Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Highlights:
- Kroger offers an associate resource group, providing an uplifting community for LGBTQ employees and allies
- Kroger provides same-sex partner benefits and transgender-inclusive health care
- Kroger partners with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to create and enhance partnerships with LGBTQ
suppliers
- Kroger achieved Billion Dollar Roundtable status for reaching more than $1 billion in spend
with certified minority- and women-owned suppliers
- Kroger ranked 13th on Omnikal's 2019 Omni50 list, which recognizes America's top 50 corporate and government
buyers of products and services from inclusive and diverse suppliers
"Our steps to create a more uplifting workplace and culture for all associates will continue," added Massa. "There is great
power in recognizing our unconscious biases, learning from each other and listening to understand, so we can best support the
people who matter most: our associates."
The Human Rights Campaign is the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization that envisions a world where LGBTQ people
are ensured equality at home, work and in every community.
For more information on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are
nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800
retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste
communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
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SOURCE The Kroger Co.