TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 21, 2018 – As part of their mission to use their strengths to make a difference, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation today announced they have made grants and donated more than 9.6 million pounds of food to Tampa Bay-area food pantries and nonprofits helping fight hunger during fiscal year 2018. The food donations and hunger relief support are part of Walmart’s overall $17.3 million in cash and in-kind contribution to Tampa Bay-area nonprofits during FY18 to support communities where it operates.
“Walmart has shown a true commitment to the issue of hunger, both on a national level with the Feeding America network and here locally in West Central Florida,” said Thomas Mantz, Executive Director, Feeding Tampa Bay. “This partnership enables the work of food banks across the country and gives Feeding Tampa Bay the ability to provide hundreds of thousands of healthy meals to the individuals and families we serve every year.”
Walmart is uniquely positioned to support organizations on the front lines in the fight against hunger and to create opportunities so people can live better. In Tampa Bay, Walmart’s contributions during FY18 include:
· 9.6 million pounds of food donated, which is the equivalent of 8 million meals*
· More than 6,200 hours of local volunteer services performed by local Walmart associates
· Hunger donations in Tampa Bay are one piece of the more than $81.9 million in total cash and in-kind contributions to Florida nonprofits
“Hunger is a reality for many families in our community,” said Elise Vasquez-Warner, vice president and regional general manager for Walmart in Central Florida. “That’s why Walmart is focused on relieving hunger by helping to strengthen the charitable meal system and extend the reach of local hunger relief programs throughout Central Florida. It’s just one way we are leveraging our size and scale to help children and families have access to nutritious food.”
The Walmart Foundation supports organizations by awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. In addition, Walmart U.S. stores, clubs and distribution centers award cash grants to support local nonprofits. The Walmart Foundation also provides funds for equipment, trucks and logistical expertise to support non-profit organizations extend their reach and impact and help those in need. Learn more about Walmart’s approach to global responsibility to provide shared value for society.
*Feeding America Impact of Dollars Donated
About Walmart in Florida
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 265 million customers and members visit our more than 11,200 stores under 55 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. In Florida, we serve customers at 386 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. We are proud to employ 107,448 associates in Florida. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $7.7 billion with Florida suppliers in FY18, which supported 110,430 supplier jobs. Learn more at the Walmart Today blog, and our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram channels.