As part of Walmart’s commitment to fight hunger in Kentucky today the retailer announced three ways it is leading efforts to stop hunger and provide meals to residents of the Commonwealth in need. The company also issued a challenge to everyone in the state to join the campaign because in central and eastern Kentucky alone, one in six people may not know where they will find their next meal.
1 New Giving Numbers Released: Walmart announced it donated a total of 12,242,078 pounds of food to food banks throughout the Commonwealth during the company’s fiscal year 2017. That is the equivalent of donating 10,201,732 meals to Kentucky families.
2 Apply Now: The Walmart Foundation invites Kentucky nonprofits with hunger relief programs to apply for grants of between $25,000 and $200,000. The Foundation will begin accepting grant applications on Monday, May 8, 2017. Hunger-relief programs may include, but are not limited to, food pantries, backpack programs, nutrition education, and cooking and food skills training. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The deadline to submit grant requests is Friday, May 12 at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard time.
3 How You Can Help: Support Walmart’s 2017 “Fight Hunger, Spark Change” campaign to raise 100 million meals for food banks nationwide. Customers can (a) secure one meal for Feeding America for every purchase of a participating product at Walmart stores; or (b) donate to Feeding America at Walmart checkouts in stores and online. Campaign ends May 15. More at www.walmart.com/fighthunger.
“This is a great example of how Walmart is using its size and strength to make a difference here in the Commonwealth,” said Louisville area Walmart Market Manager David Combs. “Together with our customers, vendor partners and local nonprofit organizations, we can significantly raise awareness about the issue of hunger.”
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed to provide four billion meals between 2015 and 2020 to people in need. They aim to reach this goal through grants to charitable organizations and hunger-relief programs, as well as through food donations from Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers. Click here to learn more about Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s commitments to fight hunger and provide nutrition education.
In Kentucky, Walmart served customers at 105 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. It employs 30,181 associates in the Commonwealth