Share your food. Share your heart.

The holidays are a time to make memories and gather around the table with those you love. With every meal, you’re not just sharing food, you’re sharing your heart. It’s a message that’s especially relevant during the holidays, a time of year when no one should feel alone.

We knew going in that this year, especially, was going to be difficult for our customers. 1 in 4 U.S. adults are dealing with feelings of loneliness on a regular basis, and the holidays often exacerbate that isolation. Our goal was not to dwell on that, but instead focus on the power of food to overcome it.

Our story featured a cast of Kroger’s signature animated characters—the “Kroji’s”—to tell the story of a lonely older woman who’s lost her holiday spirit. Her neighbor, a young boy, notices her despair and begins to take the food from his own family’s holiday dinner to surprise her with a feast. His parents quickly take notice of the disappearing food and lend a hand to lift the spirits of their neighbor in need.

At Kroger, we understand how food can transcend differences, cure loneliness and speak from our hearts in a way that words cannot. What we love about this film is how it so acutely illustrates the power of food to bring people together and express kindness. We hope this message—share your food, share your heart—inspires families, friends and neighbors to pull up an extra seat at their table this holiday season and revel in the simple joy of being together.