The new Kroger Kids Fresh Friends program launched in February at all 127 Michigan Kroger stores. With the program, kids under age 18 receive a free fresh fruit or vegetable item from the produce department every month.
Kroger Kids Fresh Friends: How the program works
- Kids can get a Kroger Kids Fresh Friends card for free from a friendly produce associate. Just ask – they usually carry cards in their apron!
- Select the fresh fruit or vegetable item featured each month in the produce department. (Look for a Kroger Kids Fresh Friends standing sign showing the qualifying item).
- Allergic to the produce item of the month? Kids with food allergies can ask the produce associate for an alternative fruit or vegetable.
- The young shopper takes the item to the cashier, who will scan, then check off the back of the Kroger Kids Fresh Friends card showing the child has received the item for that month.
- No purchase is necessary to receive the monthly Kroger Kids Fresh Friends item!
“Kroger Kids Fresh Friends selections offer kids a healthy and delicious substitute for less nutritious products,” said Ken McClure, consumer communications manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. “Kids have already confirmed they enjoy fresh produce. During a soft launch of Kroger Kids Fresh Friends in January, Kroger gave away 4,673 apples to Michigan children in just seven days.”
What readers are saying about the program
- I was at Kroger this afternoon with my kids and the associate gave the kids these Kroger Kids Fresh Friends cards good for one free fruit or vegetable of Kroger’s choice. Ask if you don’t see anyone giving them out. Its a nice thing and the kids were really excited about having a card. (Jamie)
- I shopped in the morning this past week and the cashier was giving them out at checkout to kids (I had mine with me). I went again yesterday (midday) and there was a standing sign in the produce dept, stating apples. It’s good for one (of the chosen produce) a month per child. (Melissa)
Thanks to Jamie and Melissa for sharing!
Sources: Bargains to Bounty Facebook Group, readers Jamie & Melissa, Kroger official press release
It would be really nice if Kroger would consider organic for this program. I love the idea but there’s no way my kid will be eating a pesticide filled, GMO apple.
You could try saying your child is allergic to non-organic. I personally think considering all we know about such things, an ‘allergic’ reaction of sorts would be real…don’t know if they’d go for it but you might ask the manager.
You know your organic apples are GMO’s too right?
for you people complaining because its not organic…suck it up their are people out there who cant afford any kind of fresh fruit because of the extra cost…at least they are doing something…and if you are socworried about organic then obviously you can afford your own fruit anyway!
Yes. Thank you
Ilove this program
Amen!!! And they wonder why there are over weight people out there cause us low income families can’t afford the stuff that is really food for you
I think Kroger is doing a great thing encouraging kids to eat healthy instead of an unhealthy alternative. It’s too bad some people are so snooty about organic vs. the regular food that most of the country eats. Don’t get me started on lying about being allergic to regular produce! Try this, don’t pick up the freebie and save it for the rest of us.
Well, it IS each parent’s choice. But if you think about all the other things that kids put in their mouths… yeah, a regular old apple couldn’t possibly be the worst of it. My opinion, rinse it off or peel it if you’re THAT concerned. Or just pass on getting the freebie if it doesn’t meet your standards.
MARY,
Thank you for saying what needs to be said!!!
NOW Let’s talk about the “Organic” rip-off, If the food is grown outside a bubble – then it is subjected air pollution and acid polluted rain!!!, So if one wants to believe that “organic” is chemical free and wants to pay double or even triple the price for that product then that is great for them.
Also, unless it’s packaged and doesn’t come in contact with other non-organic fruits it’s technically no longer organic. The grocery stores are just allowed to still call it organic.
Educating our children to fresh produce will eventually produce healthier results and less money spent for healthcare. My next suggestion is to remove the candy next to the register. Congratulations Kroger on this healthy idea!
I’ve never, ever, bought candy next to the register, so my kids never even ask about it, and it’s never been an issue for our family. We rarely give sweets, except for parties or special occasions, so they will be excited for the fruit choice (and that’s a department I do get kid hassled in, since they know it’s our favorite department! 🙂 ).
I can’t find anything about this program on the Kroger web site! I was hoping to print something out to send to the parents of my 1st graders. Anyone know what there is no info about this on the web site or am I just missing it?
I’m not sure it’s chain-wide, though I know it’s available in Michigan. I had trouble finding things in writing as well, but you should see signs in the stores.
I called Kroger in Irving Texas and they had no clue what I was talking about.
I believe that! I have only confirmed it in Michigan at this point.
Is there a link to find out which stores are participating? My sons would love this!
They all should be.
Does Fred Meyer do this too then? We DOn;t have a Kroger but have Fred Meyer
This would be amazing to bring to all Kroger stores…Especially Arkansas! This would be a great way to get kids out into the community and get them involved.
I really don’t think a lot of kids eat enough Fresh fruit/veg, this is a great program , hope the Indiana stores follow suit, Its so much better for them than Candy,