JAX Chamber: Walmart Leans In To Fight Against Hunger In Florida This Holiday Season

Press release from The JAX Chamber:

December 22, 2020

The holidays are a time of giving, but they are also a time of great need. Food insecurity continues plaguing families and individuals across the country, with an estimated 1 in 6 at risk of hunger as a result of COVID-19. This is compared to a pre-pandemic number of 1 in 9 struggling with food insecurity, according to Feeding America®, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. As a result, food banks and pantries are having difficulties keeping up with demand.

To help organizations meet the increased demand during the holidays and beyond, the Walmart Foundation is granting Feeding America $12 million over two years and is encouraging its stores, clubs and distribution centers in the U.S. to commit funds and product donations to hunger-relief organizations through the end of the year.

“Fighting hunger in our communities is extremely important to us during this unique holiday season and always,” said Marvin Balduff, Vice President, Regional General Manager Region 3. “We are committed to making a difference and giving back to the communities where we live and work. We are honored to have a positive impact, in a time where everyone could use a little support.”

For years, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have supported hunger-relief organizations and this year is no different. Last year, in Florida, Walmart donated more than 44.2 million pounds of food to local food banks.

So far this year, more than 5,000 hunger-relief organizations in the U.S. have received support from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation through the donation of 480 million pounds of food and over $55 million in grants for hunger relief. Complemented by these efforts, Walmart customers, Sam’s Club members and suppliers have raised and donated nearly $18 million for hunger relief.

This press release was produced by The JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.