Freestore Foodbank Receives $60,000 Grant from Walmart Foundation

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation today presented a grant for a $60,000 to the Freestore Foodbank to help purchase a truck that will be used to deliver more fresh produce to partner food pantries throughout the region.

Made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Council, the grant was awarded during a presentation at Freestore Foodbank’s Jeff and Darlene Anderson Family Building located on Central Parkway. The Foundation awarded five grants totaling $200,000 to support the efforts of non-profit organizations across the state.

“Helping organizations in our communities that help others to live better is something that is very important to Walmart and the Walmart Foundation,” said David Seymore, Walmart Market Manager. “We understand that organizations such as Freestore Foodbank are essential to building stronger communities and we are proud to support its mission to helping families and individuals in need.”

The Walmart Foundation State Giving Council looks for organizations that address the needs in communities throughout the state and make a significant social impact within Walmart’s core areas of giving: hunger relief and healthy eating, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment, workforce development and education.

"For low-income families in underserved communities, there are few options for access to healthy foods," said Kurt Reiber, Freestore Foodbank President and CEO. "Freestore Foodbank is committed to providing the kinds of food that promote good health. We truly appreciate the support of partners like Walmart to help make this possible as we work to get more fresh produce on the tables of the neighbors we serve. Together, we can solve hunger and help keep our communities healthy and strong.”

Freestore Foodbank has committed to offering more produce and healthier food options to families throughout the region by significantly increasing its total produce distribution from 4.6 million to 6.2 million pounds in the 2017-2018 fiscal year.

The nonprofit organizations that were recognized at other local events across the state include:

• Lutheran Social Services CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence will receive a $31,000 grant to help domestic violence victims and their children with services in and outside of its shelter.
• Canine Companions for Independence will receive a $25,000 grant to provide assistance dogs with people with disabilities and help them to live more independently.
• The I Believe Foundation will receive a $44,000 grant to purchase two vehicles to reach more youth in Appalachia with educational programs that teach leadership and problem-solving skills and ultimately close the college access gap that affects so many in this region.
• Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency received a $40,000 grant to replace the roof of the agency’s Choice Food Pantry. The agency will also use funds to purchase a box truck to enable the agency to provide fresh foods more efficiently to the low-income families of Fairfield County.