Donation to increase access to food, perishable items throughout Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana, March 11, 2014 – Feeding Indiana’s Hungry received two grants totaling $46,822 from the Walmart Foundation to assist with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach and perishable product distribution. The grants – which were given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – helped spread information about SNAP to staff and volunteers of hundreds of food pantries who work with member food banks. The contribution has also helped the network of food banks expand the distribution of perishable products through helping fund an AmeriCorps VISTA position and through smaller direct grants to member food banks for equipment to keep perishable items properly stored for distribution.
“At a time when too many Hoosiers are struggling to feed their families, I’m pleased to see two organizations in Indiana — Feeding Indiana’s Hungry and Walmart — working together to help those in need,” said U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly. “The business community is an important partner in Indiana hunger relief efforts, and this grant will mean more food can reach children and families.”
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry is the state association of food banks affiliated with Feeding America, the nation’s largest food bank network. Collectively, these 11 member food banks serve all 92 counties in Indiana. Their member food banks solicited, warehoused, transported and distributed more than 80 million pounds of food in 2013 through more than 1,700 local pantries, soup kitchens, after school programs, and other food assistance programs.
“Sen. Donnelly and Walmart have been great partners of the anti-hunger community,” said Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. “The funding we received has helped us get more food to our clients, through the SNAP program and through the charitable sector, aiding the more than one million Hoosiers who are at risk of hunger to feed their families.”
The contributions to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry were made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Indiana State Giving Program (SGP) and the Indiana Associate Choice Program. Through these programs, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award contributions that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are very pleased to be supporting Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, and are committed to helping those in need in the communities we serve,” said Regional General Manager David Reitnauer. “Through this contribution, we are hopeful that the one in six Hoosiers at risk of hunger—and one in four Hoosier children—have improved access to perishable foods like dairy products, produce, and meat.”
Last year, the Indiana State Giving Program awarded more than $800,000 to local organizations such as Blessing in a Backpack, Inc., Media Ministries, Inc., The Salvation Army, West Central Indiana Economic Development District, Inc., Women’s Bureau, Inc. In Indiana, a team of local associates determines needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.
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.
In 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. This includes $1 billion in cash and in-kind gifts in the United States and $82.2 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 2.2 million hours, generating $18 million to U.S. nonprofits.
About Feeding Indiana’s Hungry
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. is the statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks. Our eleven member food banks serve more than 1,700 agencies in all 92 counties, providing emergency food assistance to Hoosiers in need.
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. food banks statewide include:
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Gary
Food Bank of Northern Indiana, South Bend
Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., Lafayette
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Ft. Wayne
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc., Muncie
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Indianapolis
Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Terre Haute
Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Bloomington
Tri-State Food Bank, Inc., Evansville
Dare to Care Food Bank, Louisville, KY
Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.
