CINCINNATI (News Nation/WXIN) — A coin shortage across the U.S. means changes for Kroger customers.
The grocery chain said customers will no longer receive coins as a temporary change due to a shortage attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has “significantly disrupted the supply chain and normal circulation patterns” for U.S. coins, according to the Federal Reserve.
“In the past few months, coin deposits from depository institutions to the Federal Reserve have declined significantly and the U.S. Mint’s production of coin also decreased due to measures put in place to protect its employees,” said the Federal Reserve.
Kroger spokesperson Eric Halvorson said customers can have their change added to their Kroger loyalty card for a future purchase or round up their purchase and donate the amount to local food banks.
“Until the shortage abates, customers paying with cash will have two easy options. Cashiers will advise them that, instead of returning coins as change, the amount will be added to the loyalty card and will automatically be applied to the customers’ next Kroger purchase. Cashiers will also offer the opportunity to “round up,” to donate that change to the Zero Hunger|Zero Waste Foundation, supporting the service of their local food bank,” Kroger said in a statement provided to News Nation affiliate WXIN.
Halvorson said shoppers will be alerted to the changes by signs posted in stores.
Kroger is one of the largest grocery retailers in the U.S. with more than 2,750 stores in 35 states.