Teaming up with Celebrity Chef G. Garvin and Six of the Nation’s
Largest Food Companies, the Campaign will Provide $3.7 Million in
Donations to Feeding America Food Banks Across the United States
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- (Business Wire)
Today, the Walmart Foundation launches Fight Hunger. Spark Change., a
nationwide campaign calling on the public to get involved in the fight
against hunger. The campaign will provide $3.7 million in grants to
participating Feeding America food banks and local partner agencies that
provide hunger relief to millions of people in need of food assistance.
As part of the initiative, Walmart is teaming up with acclaimed chef,
cookbook author and TV host, G. Garvin, and calling on the public to
support their local food banks by voting online at www.walmart.com/fightinghunger.
The initiative launches during a critical time in our nation when food
banks are facing a growing need for donations due to historically high
rates of food insecurity. Feeding America recently released its Hunger
in America 2014 report showing that in a single year one in seven
Americans, including 12 million children, turn to the Feeding America
food bank network for food assistance. To help Feeding America meet this
need, Walmart is teaming up with six of the nation’s largest food
companies - including General Mills, Unilever, Hormel, ConAgra Foods,
PepsiCo/Quaker and Kellogg Company - to support food banks and local
partner agencies across the country.
“Hunger remains a serious issue in our country as millions of Americans
don’t know where their next meal will come from. By engaging our
associates, customers and suppliers in the fight against hunger, we can
make a positive impact on this issue and ensure families have access to
the healthier and nutritious food they need,” said Kathleen McLaughlin,
president of the Walmart Foundation and senior vice president of Walmart
Sustainability. “Through this initiative, we’re giving everyone in
America the opportunity to make a difference by simply voting online for
their local food bank.”
From September 15 through October 5, customers can visit www.walmart.com/fighthunger
to cast one vote per day that will help direct grants to participating
Feeding America food banks and local partner agencies across the
country. The 50 winning food banks will each receive a $60,000 grant.
The campaign also provides information on how customers can donate or
volunteer to take a direct action in the fight against hunger in their
local communities.
“One of my biggest passions as a chef is showing people how simple it
can be to make healthy and delicious meals for their families,” said
Chef Garvin. “Walmart’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign is making
it simple and fun for the public to get involved and will help ensure
all families have access to the healthy and nutritious food they need. I
could not be more proud to support a cause that matters so much to so
many.”
Through the initiative, the monetary equivalent of more than 37 million
meals1 will be donated to Feeding America food banks and
local agencies throughout the United States.
“At Feeding America, we believe no one in America should have to worry
about where their next meal is coming from so we are proud to continue
our partnership with Walmart to help make this vision a reality,” said
Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief
organization. “Through this initiative, Walmart, along with its
associates, customers and suppliers will make a lasting impact in
helping to reduce hunger in America.”
As the nation’s largest grocer, Walmart is in a unique leadership
position to impact the issue of hunger in the United States and joining
with customers, suppliers, government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations will only help magnify its efforts.
The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign is just one step towards
Walmart’s larger commitment to provide meals to those in need, and give
more people access to nutrition education. As part of that commitment,
Walmart is also working to ensure the food donated is fresh and a
healthy alternative.
To participate in the voting campaign, learn more about the program,
including details on participating products, visit www.walmart.com/fighthunger.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live
better through philanthropic efforts that draw on the strengths of
Walmart in the arenas of sustainability, economic opportunity, and
community. As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable food
system worldwide, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the
fight against hunger in the United States. They recently exceeded a $2
billion commitment to fight hunger one year ahead of schedule and have
donated more than 1.5 billion pounds of food to those in need across the
country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
1 In January 2014, Walmart donated the monetary equivalent of
33 million meals ($3.3 million) to Feeding America. In September 2014,
the six participating food companies (General Mills, Unilever, Hormel,
ConAgra Foods, PepsiCo/Quaker and Kellogg Company) have collectively
pledged to donate the monetary equivalent of 4.26 million meals
($426,000). $1 helps provide 10 meals secured by Feeding America on
behalf of local member food banks.
Contacts:
Walmart
Kevin Gardner, 1-800-331-0085
news.walmart.com/reporter
Source: Walmart
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