MUST Ministries Receives $100,000 from the Walmart Foundation to Fight Hunger

MUST Ministries announced it received a $100,000 contribution to assist the organization’s extensive feeding program. The grant, which was given to the volunteer-driven organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program, will work to feed families in need in Cobb and Cherokee counties.

“The partnership with Walmart is ideal because both parties focus on addressing hunger relief,” said Dr. Ike Reighard, president and CEO of MUST Ministries. “We are grateful for Walmart supplying funds to help us implement our programs serving 31,000 people a year.”

MUST distributes just under a ton of food every weekday to those in need through its food pantries in Marietta, Smyrna and Canton. In addition, free breads and sweets are distributed daily at those locations and at the homeless campus. Also, 77,000 meals are served annually at the Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen. Shelter clients eat breakfast and lunch there each week day, and all three meals on weekends. Weekday lunches are open to anyone who is hungry. The MUST feeding program also includes holiday meals and Thanksgiving boxes. The feeding program is a vital part of the $8.2 million charity’s programming.

“Walmart is excited to continue supporting the communities we serve,” said Glen Wilkins, director of public affairs and government relations at Walmart. “While Walmart operates on a global level, we strive to make a significant social impact by giving back to our local communities.”

The contribution to MUST Ministries was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Georgia’s State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program aims to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. In the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $54 million in cash and in-kind contributions throughout the state of Georgia.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/state-giving.