From now through the end of May, Kroger is partnering with Growing America’s Farmers, a non-profit foundation providing college scholarships through the national Future Farmers of America Organization. The partnership allows for a portion of every sale of G&R Vidalia Sweet Onions to be donated toward FFA scholarships in Georgia and across the U.S.
 
Founded in 1945, G&R Farms is recognized as Georgia's oldest grower, packer, shipper and marketer of Vidalia onions. The Dasher Family plants approximately 1,000 acres of the world-famous crop each year. Product will be on sale in participating Kroger stores across the south, including Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, until the end of May.
 
“At Kroger, our Purpose is to Feed the Human Spirit by taking care of the communities we serve,” said Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “This partnership is near and dear to our hearts as South Georgia is home to the renowned Vidalia onion. It allows us to support regional agriculture, as well as help provide opportunities for students to continue their education in production agriculture. It is our hope that these students will become farm owners and operators we can feature in our Kroger stores in the future.”
 
“By partnering with the Kroger and the FFA, Growing America’s Farmers is able to offer scholarships nationwide. I have been so humbled and blown away by the support we have received, and I am really excited about what we have done—and are doing—for the future of the American farmer,” said Walt Dasher, Founder of Growing America’s Farmers.
 
“The state of Georgia is privileged to have these two great Georgia Grown companies supporting America’s young farmers.  Investing in our future farmers helps sustain production agriculture for generations to come and ensures the preservation of our strong economy and rural communities,” said
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black.
 
While helping support future farmers, Kroger customers can put their fresh Vidalia onions to use with Chef John’s recipe for Grilled Flank Steak with Balsamic Glazed Vidalia Onions:
 
INGREDIENTS:

1 Flank steak

1 Vidalia onion, sliced

1-Clove garlic, minced

2-Cups oil

2-Tbsp. Rosemary Chopped

1-Tbsp. Pepper
 
METHOD:

Combine all ingredients and let marinate for 30 minutes.  Season with salt prior to grilling.  Grill on high heat until desired degree of doneness.  Use meat thermometer inserted in side of steak – medium rare 140 f.
 
2 Large Vidalia onions

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp. Olive oil

1 tbsp. Fresh thyme

Salt & pepper to taste
 
Sauté onions in oil until well caramelized.  Deglaze pan with balsamic, until reduced completely.  Season with Thyme, salt & pepper.