Kroger raising funds to help Kentucky tornado victims

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kroger is stepping up to help Kentucky communities hit hard by recent tornadoes.

The company announced a $25,000 donation to God's Pantry Food Bank.

Leaders at the food bank said the money will help provide nutritious food and critical supplies to those in need as cleanup begins in several counties.

Kroger is also making it easy for shoppers to join the effort. Customers can round up their purchase price or make a donation at checkout in Kroger and Jay C stores across the area.

All proceeds raised will go to the American Red Cross.

The storms hit the area May 16-17, including an EF4 tornado with 170 mph winds that killed 19 people and leveled neighborhoods across three counties. The NWS office in Jackson, Kentucky, confirmed through a multi-day survey the tornado was 1,700 yards wide at its peak — nearly 1 mile — and was on the ground for more than 55 miles from Somerset to London.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said of those 19 people that were killed in the storms, 17 of those deaths were reported in Laurel County, where London is located, with one in Pulaski County and another in Russell County.

Last week, a major disaster declaration was approved for the state, making federal disaster assistance from FEMA available to residents in six counties impacted by the storms, including: Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union.