CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. announced on Friday a hiring push to fill 20,000 permanent jobs across its operations in 34 states.

Kroger Co. announced on Friday a hiring push to fill 20,000 permanent jobs across its operations in 34 states.

"Kroger’s growth trajectory creates more job opportunities for current and future employees," said Katy Barclay, Kroger’s senior vice president of human resources. "Right now in our stores across the country we have openings for bright, hard-working associates who are passionate about making a difference for customers every day."

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional supermarket operator, employs more than 375,000 people and has 2,640 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 34 states and Washington, D.C. Among the divisions in the Kroger family are Kroger, Harris Teeter, City Market, Ralph’s, Food 4 Less, QFC, Fred Meyer and Fry’s. The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 320 fine jewelry stores, 1,240 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food- processing plants.

The company says it has created at least 40,000 jobs in the past six years, and since 2009 has hired more than 22,000 U.S. military veterans.