06/05/2026
In 2015, Elanco, Kroger Co.’s Central Division, Rose Acre Farms, Gleaners Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank joined forces to form a unique new pilot program that brought together consumers, food stores and farmers to provide eggs to undernourished people of all ages.
Called HATCH for Hunger, the innovative community partnership was celebrated by community leaders, government officials, association representatives and food shoppers during a special event at a Kroger store in Indianapolis on April 13 that year.
The first HATCH pilot project, which involved 66 central Indiana Kroger stores, provided one egg to a local food bank for each dozen Kroger-brand medium eggs purchased in a two-month period.
At the time, undernourishment was a worldwide problem that affected people’s health and how they remember, solve problems and make decisions. In the U.S., one in five people didn't have access to enough protein and other nutrients to meet their body’s needs.
To kick off this first HATCH project, Elanco, Rose Acre Farms and Kroger announced their collective donation of 34,560 eggs, equivalent to 2,880 dozen. These eggs, along with those donated via purchases of Kroger-brand medium eggs, were given to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Midwest Food Bank and local food pantries serving Marion County and central Indiana.
What began with eggs quickly grew as hunger relief partners recognized the value of a reliable, protein-focused supply chain. Over the past decade, that model has expanded from a single state to more than 43 states and 120-plus food banks, and Carmel-based HATCH delivers chicken, beef, pork and more in addition to eggs. To date, HATCH has delivered more than 102 million meals annually and helped families save more than $50 million in food costs.
For information, visit hatchforhunger.com.
