As if we needed further proof of Dwaine Caraway's ability to entertain, the City Council member has responded to Kroger's refusal to participate in his annual holiday turkey giveaway by not-so-gently ribbing the grocery giant.
"I was really shocked and disheartened at the actions of Kroger," Caraway said in a statement. "Kroger has been the lead opponent against the plastic bag initiative. It's shocking to learn that Kroger would take this stance. Its disheartening to know that Kroger's community initiatives are ceased because of a battle at City Hall. Kroger is not pulling out on Dwaine Caraway with this move. Kroger is pulling out on the Southern Dallas community. Wal-mart, 7-Eleven and businesses have stepped up and this year we have even more turkeys than before."
Kroger is one of the primary opponents of the ban on plastic bags Caraway shepherded through the council earlier this year. Gary Huddleston, the chain's southwest division spokesman, confirmed to The Dallas Morning News that Kroger would not be participating in Caraway's giveaway, but says that doesn't mean it's stopping working in the community.
"In terms of donating to individuals who need help, Kroger definitely wants to do that," he said. "We feel like we're doing a good job with the North Texas Food Bank, and it's unfortunate that Councilman Caraway had to issue this release to malign Kroger. I don't understand his motives, other than some sort of ... whatever."
Caraway said he has more turkeys than ever for his giveaway in Saturday -- more than 1,500. His plan for packaging them is the final shiv in Kroger's back.
"Everyone will receive their turkey in a Wal-mart reuseable bag that they will have to continue using when the new Dallas ordinance goes into effect on January 1 eliminating plastic bags in our city," he said.