Grant to Aid FIsH to help increase flow of nutritional food throughout the state
INDIANAPOLIS – December 28, 2010 – Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. (FIsH) today received a $400,000 contribution to assist with hunger relief efforts. The grant – which was given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will help the organization to strengthen partnerships to provide more nutritional food flowing through the member food bank system. The donation is a combination of a $300,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, and $100,000 grant from Walmart Foundation’s Associate’s Choice program.
Feeding Indiana’s Hungry is the state association of Feeding America affiliated food banks. The group has eleven member food banks that together serve all 92 Indiana counties through direct services and through distribution to nearly 1700 emergency food assistance agencies across the state. Last year, the member food banks distributed almost 50 million pounds of food to nearly 700,000 Hoosiers in need of emergency food assistance.
”We are so thankful for the generosity of the Walmart Foundation and their strategic initiative to assist hunger relief organizations,” said John Etling, President of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. “A portion of this funding is already assisting the member food banks with holiday food purchases, and we expect the remainder to go out in the new year to help us continue our mission of providing nutritious food to the many Hoosiers having difficulty consistently putting food on their table. Times are still difficult for so many in Indiana, and we feel fortunate to have been awarded resources to continue to help those still struggling with unemployment, health issues, seniors with fixed incomes, and children who, through no fault of their own, are faced with hunger.”
The grant was presented to John Etling during a check presentation ceremony hosted today at the Hoosier Veteran’s Assistance Foundation, an emergency food assistance agency served by Feeding Indiana’s Hungry member Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Speaker of the House Brian Bosma was also on hand to share remarks.
“Walmart is very pleased to support Feeding Indiana’s Hungry in their endeavor to help strengthen the network of food sources and is committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” said Jason Wetzel, director of public affairs and government relations for Walmart in Indiana. “Through these grants, we are hopeful that families receive the assistance they need to have nutritious food and better health.”
The contribution to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Indiana State Giving Program (SGP) and Associate’s Choice initiative. 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 grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
Walmart associates throughout Indiana recognized the positive impact Feeding Indiana’s Hungry has made on our state, and voted to give it this year’s Associate Choice Award. This online campaign allowed Walmart associates to vote directly for a nonprofit to receive funding in their home state. The 10-week voting program awarded $5 million in grants to statewide organizations across the U.S. Of those funds, $3.6 million support hunger relief organizations, and $100,000 is awarded to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.
Last year, the Indiana State Giving Program awarded more than $635,000 to local organizations such as FBI National CHiPs program, ADEC, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Keep Terre Haute Beautiful, Indianapolis Urban League, Purdue University and Salvation Army. A team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.
To be considered for support, perspective 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 www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
In the U.S., Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $467 million in cash and in-kind gifts in fiscal year ending 2010 (FYE10)—an $89 million increase over the previous year’s giving. At a time when food banks are being accessed more than ever, Walmart doubled donations to Feeding America, giving more than 127 million pounds of nutritious food to U.S. food banks, the equivalent of nearly 100 million meals. The breakdown for FYE 2010:
· In the U.S., Walmart gave more than $467 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $378 million in FYE09.
In international markets, Walmart gave more than $45 million in cash and in-kind gifts.
· Walmart’s customers and associates in the U.S. gave more than $76 million through giving programs that benefit local charities.
· Walmart’s international customers and associates gave more than $35 million through giving programs that benefit local charities.
· In total around the globe, Walmart, its Foundations, its customers and associates supported communities with more than $624 million in charitable contributions during FYE10.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
