Cincinnati's largest company is on the hunt for startups aiming to end food waste.
This week, the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation announced applications are open for companies tackling solutions to prevent food waste for its second Innovation Fund, according to a release. Applications are due by April 1.
Ten startups will be selected for the cohort by representatives from the fund's advisory committee and its partner Village Capital, with each set to receive $100,000 in upfront seed funding, the release states. They will also participate in virtual workshops to further build their concept.
After six months, the cohort will vote for which two companies will receive an additional $250,000 in funding. All other companies will have the option to apply for an additional $100,000 grant, the release states.
"In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, we are more determined than ever to direct as much food as possible to its highest purpose: feeding people," Denise Osterhues, the foundation's president, said in a statement. "We can no longer afford to waste surplus food at any level in our food system. For that reason, we are pleased to offer the Innovation Fund's second open call for proposals that directly support promising new ways to manufacture, process or distribute upcycled consumer food products.
