Kroger Meets Community's
Needs for Kosher Foods

Editor's Note: The JCC's Senior Meals program recently was a recipient of a $5,000 donation from the Kroger Co. Foundation, whose philanthropic objective is to enhance the quality of life in communities with a concentration of Kroger customers and employees. Thank you!

You will find the largest selection of Kosher food in central Ohio right here in Columbus. Kroger's Kosher Market, located at 3675 East Broad, offers a wide variety of fresh and frozen Kosher meats and chicken, dairy products and deli and bakery items.

To add variety to your meals, Kroger offers Kosher pizza and rotisserie chicken and will add sushi after Passover. Customers also have the option of choosing the meat cuts they want in the quantities they desire in the market's full-service Kosher meat department.

"We listen to what our Jewish customers are saying and try to meet their specific needs," said Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger's Columbus division. "We feel honored to be able to continue the tradition of Irv Szames and serve the Kosher foods needs of our loyal Jewish customers."

The over 1,000 -square-foot Kroger Kosher Market, which opened in time for Passover last year, features a large selection of Kosher cheeses and fresh and pre-packaged salads. Customers may also choose from a robust assortment of Kosher dry goods, including candy, pie shells, chocolate chips, balsamic vinegar, macaroni and cheese, beans and Middle Eastern products.

Two full-time Mashgichim

Kroger's opened its Kosher Market following a series of meetings with the Rabbinic and lay leadership of the Columbus Vaad Hoir. The East Broad facility employs two full-time Mashgichim who supervise production of Kosher foods to ensure they are prepared within Kosher rules and standards.

Kroger associate Kim Geiger previously managed the Bexley Kosher Market deli and has worked with the Vaad for over 11 years. She also kashered the Bexley Market's meat room for Passover for over a decade.

The second Kroger staff member, Paul Bernbaum, served as kosher supervisor for the Chicago Rabbinical Council and as a Star K supervisor certifying Kosher practices at cheese factories. Bernbaum also serves as part-time mashgiach for the Vaad Hoir of Columbus.

"Kroger has helped the Jewish community prepare for Passover for many years," Geiger commented. "Now, with the expanded Kosher offering at its East Broad location, Kroger helps our community prepare delicious meals at home year round."

Specials and other opportunities

Customers presenting their Kroger Plus card at the Kosher Market will receive discounts on product specials advertised in The New Standard and The Ohio Jewish Chronicle. Kroger has also expanded its Kosher offerings at its 2000 East Main Street store (Columbus) and its 5161 Hampstead Village Center location in New Albany.

"Kroger is committed to providing quality Kosher products in the years ahead," Macaulay said. "We invite members of the Jewish community to stop by the Kroger Kosher Market and experience our quality and selection."