LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kroger is supporting a new initiative in West Louisville to teach residents how to grow their own vegetables and supplement their groceries.
What You Need To Know
Kroger Co. Foundation gave $25,000 to the Louisville Urban League’s Project Kilimo to support urban farming in west Louisville
Project Kilimo teaches residents to grow vegetables, cook with fresh produce, and learn nutrition, waste reduction and food entrepreneurship
Kroger employees volunteered 40 hours to help prepare the farm for spring planting
Kroger is the only grocer in West Louisville
The Kroger Co. Foundation invested $25,000 in the Louisville Urban League’s urban farming initiative, called Project Kilimo, a news release said. The program aims to improve health, the economy and food equity in the community.
“The West End continues to face significant barriers to healthy food access, and the Urban League is committed to tackling food insecurity and wellness on multiple fronts,” said Lyndon Pryor, LUL president and CEO.
Project Kilimo connects residents with “fresh produce, farm-to-table cooking and nutrition education, waste reduction strategies and practical entrepreneurship education in the food sector,” the release said.
“Through policy advocacy, addressing childhood obesity, securing local plots to provide community gardens and community partnerships like this one, the League is helping to close the gap on food insecurity,” Pryor said.
Kroger volunteers haul mulch and soil to help prepare the Project Kilimo community farm for spring planting in West Louisville. (Louisville Urban League)
Kroger workers also invested 40 hours of time into preparing the Project Kilimo farm for spring.
“We appreciate their dedication of time and effort,” said Marquise James, Project Kilimo farm manager. “The community garden brings people together, and we are happy for the many hands to help keep this effort going.”
The team pulled weeds, tilled the soil and mulched garden beds to prepare for planting.
“This investment goes beyond building farm infrastructure. It helps create opportunities for education, entrepreneurship and long-term food security. Together, we are strengthening West Louisville by connecting neighbors to fresh food, practical skills and a healthier future,” said Jessica Sharp, head of communications and public affairs for the Kroger Louisville Division.
Kroger is the only grocer in West Louisville, and many families rely on the W Broadway and N 35th Street locations for food.
