FeedMore, Central Virginia’s core-hunger relief organization, announced that Central Virginia residents generated a total of $103,833.76 through Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign to fight hunger in Central Virginia. The nationwide campaign, which raised more than $19.8 million to support Feeding America and its network of food banks, encouraged people to take action against hunger and help families in need through simple acts of support online, in-store purchases and donations.
Working with Discover card and five suppliers, Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company and PepsiCo – the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign called on the public to take action and help fight hunger from April 17 – May 15, 2017 by sharing campaign messages via social media, donating to local Feeding America food banks in-store at the Walmart register or purchasing select products that triggered a donation.
According to the USDA, one in eight Americans, including 13 million children, currently struggle with hunger, and the problem affects every community across the United States. Here in Central Virginia, 1 in 7 neighbors, or more than 200,000 people face hunger.
“We thank all those who took part in the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign and helped provide healthy meals for individuals who are in need within our own community,” said Tim McDermott, Chief Development Officer at FeedMore. “Most people think to donate to food banks during the holiday season, but thanks to the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign we can address this issue during the spring and summer months when donations are often lowest. We’re delighted with this year’s campaign results and the funds we receive will help us provide more than 415,000 healthy meals to our neighbors in their times of need.”
“This campaign is a great example of our long-standing commitment to hunger relief and our dedication to ensuring that families have access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably grown food,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “Together with Feeding America, our suppliers and customers, we continue to work in the communities we serve to make a real difference for those who are struggling with hunger.”
The ‘’Fight Hunger. Spark Change.’’ campaign is part of Walmart’s larger commitment to provide meals to those in need, helping ensure every family has access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably-grown food. In October 2014, Walmart announced a commitment to create a more sustainable food system, with a focus on improving the affordability of food by lowering the “true cost” of food for both customers and the environment, increasing access to food, making healthier eating easier, and improving the safety and transparency of the food chain. This commitment includes a goal of providing four billion meals to those in need in the U.S. by 2020.
For more information about how FeedMore is fighting hunger in Central Virginia, please visit feedmore.org.
About Feeding America
Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, 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, over 260 million customers and members visit our 11,695 stores under 59 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.