Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry Celebrates $30,000 Grant from Walmart Foundation

In recognition of September as Hunger Action Month, Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry celebrated a $30,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation at a check presentation ceremony today. The grant supports the Food Pantry’s Nutrition Education Program, where clients can receive on-site nutrition education sessions when they come to shop at the Food Pantry.

“The Nutrition Education Program is one of the cornerstones of the Pantry because it helps provide the knowledge and tools that people need to make real change in their own lives,” said Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director of the Pantry. “This grant from the Walmart Foundation is going to make a big difference in helping our clients live better.”

The Nutrition Education Program is available to all clients who come to the Pantry – roughly 15,000 households per year. Pantry dietitians, interns and volunteers present on a nutrition topic and engage audience members in sharing how the topic relates to them. After each overview, clients may meet with the dietitian to learn more about the topic or discuss how their own health issues relate. At least twice a month, a food demonstration and samples are offered as well. Often a particular food item is featured and shoppers are provided recipes that feature that ingredient.

The grant was presented to Zurakowski by Forest Park Walmart Store Manager Eric Hyde during a staff meeting this morning.

“The Walmart Foundation is dedicated to giving people access to a better life. Organizations like Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry are instrumental in making that happen,” said Store Manager Hyde. “We know that hunger is a reality for many families and, through this grant, we hope to help eliminate the barriers that make it difficult to get enough healthy food to thrive.”

The Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the United States.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org.