DAYTON, Ohio -- In response to the increasing demand on local food banks inventory this holiday season, The Cincinnati/Dayton Division of The Kroger Co. will donate more than 16,000 pounds of food to the FoodBank in Dayton.

The donation consists of items which Linda Roepken, Executive Officer at the FoodBank, has designated as most needed and requested by families in the area. Roepken indicated spaghetti, rice, cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruit, grape jelly and juice are in high demand from the guests of the FoodBank and Kroger responded to this need with a compilation of the requested staples.

We continue to acknowledge Kroger as a generous corporate partner, said Roepken, We know Kroger will always step up and help us provide necessary staples our partner food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters need.

The current economic situation has increased the number of individuals using the local food banks and inventories continue to decline as the pantries struggle to keep up with the demand.

Combating hunger in our community is one of the highest priorities of The Kroger Co, said Geoff Covert, President of the Cincinnati/Dayton Division. Kroger has a long history of supporting the neighborhoods in which we operate. It is our hope this will allow families who need these basic supplies the opportunity to acquire healthy food items before the holiday, continued Mr. Covert, We appreciate the commitment organizations like the FoodBank have to helping families have meals, not just during the holiday season but all year long.

The truck will arrive at The FoodBank on Washington Street in Dayton on Monday, Nov. 23 at 10:00 a.m.