How did others find out what the Kroger's associate said to you in the store?
Is it possible that your daughter could have told some friends that you were questioned in Kroger's about a meat theft? I know that kids often find the things a parent would most like to keep quiet are the most interesting things to tell to others.
But, whatever the case, being approached in a store by a store employee, and being accused by this employee of theft, is not actionable in and of itself. If this employee is telling others you are a thief, however, falsely and without proof, then it would be defamatory.
A successful defamation action would hinge on proof that the employee defamed you to others (what exactly was said, by whom, to whom, and why), and would depend on demonstrable reputational injury you have suffered as a result of the false accusation of theft. Potential harm that may be realized in the future is not reputational injury and cannot support a defamation action.
I do not think, based on what you have posted here, that any legal action would be worth your time, the trouble or the expense of pursuing. I think you would be wisest to let the Kroger manager know how upset you were at being falsely accused of stealing meat, and then just shop at another store. And simply tell all who ask about the incident the truth - that it was a mistake on the employee's part.