“Pack the Cruiser” food drive returns to Kroger Saturday

Police agencies across central and southern Indiana will soon reunite to “Pack the Cruiser.” Saturday’s four-hour food drive will ask Kroger customers to address a variety of food needs, particularly for children during the summer months.

“The timing of this drive is especially important because, when school is out, many children won’t have access to the nutrition provided through school lunches,” Kroger Central Division President Colleen Juergensen said. “We also know demand is up at food banks and pantries while donations are down. So, Pack the Cruiser helps ensure food is available when local families need help.”

The following products are among the items especially appreciated by the local food banks and pantries receiving the donations:

• Peanut butter (plastic jar)
• Jelly (plastic jar)
• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Cereal boxes
• Granola bars
• Applesauce and fruit cups
• Instant oatmeal
• Mac and cheese cups
• Canned tuna and chicken

The food drive started in Fishers nine years ago and has expanded to include law enforcement agencies at nearly 30 Kroger stores across Indiana and Illinois.

“Partnering with Kroger,” Fishers Det. Dean Mucha said, is “a tangible expression of community care, reinforcing the idea that protecting and serving means addressing real needs, especially those of vulnerable. families and children.”

Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank, a beneficiary of Pack the Cruiser, praises police for their support.

“Their continued involvement is a powerful example of what it means to truly serve,” Executive Director Suzanna Hobson said. “By stepping up year after year – not just as officers, but as neighbors – they show a deep and lasting commitment to the well-being of the communities they protect. It’s about showing up where the need is greatest and making sure no child in Hamilton County goes hungry.”

Officers and deputies will provide shopping lists to customers at the following Hamilton County Kroger stores:

• 11700 Olio Road, Fishers
• 9799 E. 116th St., Fishers
• 7450 Fishers Station (116th & Allisonville), Fishers
• 172 W. Logan St., Noblesville
• 14800 Hazel Dell Crossing, Noblesville
• 17447 Carey Road, Westfield
• 150 W. 161st St., Westfield
• 1217 S. Range Line Road, Carmel
• 10679 N. Michigan Road, Carmel

Kroger invites the community to help officers and deputies “Pack the Cruiser” and join these heroes against hunger, ensuring children don’t go hungry this summer.