Chattanooga Area Food Bank Receives $50,000 From The Walmart Foundation To Assist With Mobile Pantry

  • Monday, August 3, 2015

The Chattanooga Area Food Bank has received a $50,000 donation from the Walmart Foundation to assist with the Tennessee Rural Mobile Pantry Initiative. The grant – which was
given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will help the food bank provide quality food items to rural communities in the Chattanooga region.

“Some Chattanooga-area residents are in a severe food crisis, and our mobile pantry program helps us reach those vulnerable communities,” said Chattanooga Area Food Bank Director of Development Marisa Ogles. “We believe the program makes a difference across our twenty-county service area, and we are grateful for Walmart’s support as we work to serve even more of our neighbors.”

The contribution to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Tennessee State Giving Program. Through this program, 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 is very pleased to support the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and is committed to helping those in need in the communities we serve,” said Jessica Miller, Walmart Signal Mountain store manager. “We are hopeful all individuals and families in the Chattanooga community will have access to nutritious food with the help of this grant.”

Fight Hunger. Spark Change.
In addition to the State Giving Grant, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank has received $54,000 in donations generated by local residents through Walmart’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. – a nationwide campaign that calls on the public to get involved in the fight against hunger.

The initiative offered Walmart customers the opportunity to help fight hunger from April 6 to May 3 by making a donation to their local Feeding America food bank at a Walmart register, or by purchasing select products from some of the nation’s leading food companies: Campbell’s, ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Kellogg Company, Kraft, and Unilever. In addition, the public participated in the #WeSparkChange social media challenge. Customers were asked to take a picture of six friends who share their commitment to fight hunger and post a public picture on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #WeSparkChange. For each post, Walmart donated $10 to Feeding America on behalf of its affiliate food banks.

“We are so grateful to all the families who came out to participate in Walmart’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign to help us secure critical meals for those in need in our community,” Ms. Ogles said. “The results were amazing, and will go a long way to help us provide access to food for people who count on our support throughout the year.”

Nationwide, the campaign raised more than $10 million to support Feeding America and its affiliate food banks across the country.

“We take pride in giving back to local communities and empowering residents to support their neighbors in need. This spring, customers across the country jumped into action to fight hunger, and the results were truly extraordinary,” said Karrie Dennison, director of Hunger and Nutrition for Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. “With 49 million Americans struggling with hunger today, we are dedicated to helping families access affordable, nutritious and sustainably grown food. With the support of our customers, associates and Feeding America, we will continue our work to help every family have access to the food they need.”

Grant Applications

To be considered for a State Giving Grant, 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 FY 2015, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1.4 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. This includes more than $39 million given locally in Tennessee. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 1.5 million hours, generating $14 million to U.S. nonprofits.

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