INDIANAPOLIS — The Kroger Family of Companies recently announced that it will provide all hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates with a Hero Bonus — a $2 premium above their standard base rate of pay, applied to hours worked from March 29 through April 18.

The premium will be disbursed weekly to ensure associates have access to additional cash.

This announcement follows and is in addition to Kroger’s previous commitment shared on March 21, which provided a one-time bonus to the frontline associate, which pays out on April 3.

Kroger owns the Owen’s supermarket in Warsaw.

“Our associates have displayed the true actions of a hero, working tirelessly on the front lines to ensure everyone has access to affordable, fresh food and essentials during this national emergency,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “The Hero Bonus is just one more way we continue to convey our thanks and gratitude not only to our existing associates but also to the more than 30,000 new hires who have joined in the past two weeks and those who will soon join the Kroger Family of Companies.”

“Recently, we announced an appreciation bonus for our hourly frontline associates,” said Tim Massa, Kroger’s senior vice-president and chief people officer. “This gesture was to thank our associates for everything they have done during the past few weeks. However, we recognize that this crisis is far from over, and after reflecting on associate feedback and working together with our union partners, we want to further acknowledge our terrific team for their hard work to date as well as the work yet to come.”