Two startups are the big winners from the Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation's ongoing innovation fund.
Last week, the foundation announced California-based Agua Bonita and New York-based Matriark Foods will receive an additional $250,000 grant each after being selected by their peers in Kroger's second innovation fund cohort. Kroger began its second cohort in May after narrowing a pool of 145 applicants to just 10.
The cohort is part of Kroger's ongoing partnership with Washington, D.C.-based Village Capital to help boost startups specifically targeting ways to eliminate food waste.
Agua Bonita produces ready-to-drink aguas frescas from upcycled produce, while Matriark Foods upcycles farm surplus and fresh-cut produce trimmings into healthy affordable products.
Participants were all given a upfront grant of $100,000. Throughout the program, they also received more than 40 hours of virtual workshops focused on investment readiness, technical skill development and networking with a community of investors and mentors in and around the food system.
