Posted on November 4, 2009

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Walmart Foundation Gives $5.2 Million to Support Hunger Relief Efforts

The Walmart Foundation has announced $5.2 million in cash and in-kind donations to Feeding America and the Meals on Wheels Association of America to support hunger relief efforts across the United States.

The donations kick off the Walmart Gives Back initiative, a joint effort between the Walmart Foundation and its parent company to provide $32 million in cash and in-kind donations to organizations around the country this holiday season. Grants awarded through the initiative include $2.2 million to Meals on Wheels to upgrade or replace delivery vehicles, stoves, refrigerators, and freezers at a hundred and forty of the organization's chapters; and an in-kind donation of thirty-five food-filled refrigerated trucks, valued at $3 million, to Feeding America foodbanks in thirty-five cities, which will enable the foodbanks to transport an estimated forty-one million additional meals per year.

To a significant degree, the initiative will focus on giving at the local level, with $24 million in Walmart Foundation grants going to nonprofits in the communities where Walmart's stores and clubs are located. In addition, the foundation will once again make a holiday donation of $1.25 million to the Salvation Army.

"In this economy, families and seniors across the country who rely on foodbanks have been hit especially hard," said Walmart Foundation president Margaret McKenna. "As Walmart stores continue to be the price leader on groceries, our partnership with Feeding America is helping us do our part to put more food on the dinner table. Our business and our charitable giving are united in the commitment to eradicate hunger in America."

“Walmart Foundation Kicks-Off $32 Million Holiday Giving Campaign With Historic Hunger Relief Effort.” Walmart Foundation Press Release 11/03/09.

Primary Subject: Human Services
Secondary Subject(s): Agriculture/Food
Location(s): National

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