In 2017 the Re-stock Kroger program invested $500 million in personnel over a two-year period. The company will now add $800 million to boost wages and provide other benefits following the emergence of COVID-19. This investment includes the Feed Your Future education assistance program for continuing education extending from high school equivalency through to an advanced degree. Specific benefits associated with COVID-19 include:
- Free COVID-19 testing based on symptoms
- Emergency leave for those affected by the virus
- Requiring customers to wear masks
- Improving the comprehensive healthcare package
- Setting aside $5 million for financial support for economic hardships a result of COVID-19, including child care
- Providing mental health services
- Installing petitions and protective screens for check-out workers
- Encouraging on-line ordering with curbside pickup and home delivery to reduce exposure of workers to potentially infected customers.