BENTONVILLE, As more Americans rely on hunger relief organizations to provide for their families during these tough economic times, Walmart’s philanthropic arm is expanding its hunger relief efforts in three ways: · Feeding Hungry Children – A $1.2 million grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America will purchase healthy meals for more than 93,000 children who, this summer, are being serviced by 350 Boys & Girls Clubs Chapters across the “We continue to see the impact that the economy is having on our neighbors – they are stretching their budgets and looking to us for help in our stores and through our giving,” said “Millions of Americans often do not know where they will find their next meal. This includes one in six children who will live on the brink of hunger. This is a sad reality that will only improve if our government, non-profits and corporate leaders work together,” said Edward Cooney, executive director of the Congressional Hunger Center. “The Walmart Foundation is filling a gap during this critical time when summer feeding programs and hunger relief organizations are seeing a decline in funding. Its efforts to eradicate hunger in our country should be commended.” “We are extremely grateful to Walmart for its generous support that will guarantee thousands of the young people we serve receive wholesome meals and snacks over the summer,” said BGCA president and CEO Currently, Walmart supercenters and Neighborhood Markets in 2,101 locations – in addition to more than 450 Sam’s Club locations across the “We are extremely grateful that the Walmart Foundation is continuing to make a strong commitment to help feed millions of Americans who live at risk of hunger,” said Vicki Escarra, president and chief executive officer of Feeding America. “Walmart’s store donation program is helping to provide our members across the country with a variety of nutritious food, which is especially needed at a time when so many Americans are struggling to provide for their families.” The Walmart Foundation will also continue supporting hunger relief organizations at the state and local levels. This summer, more than $2.1 million will be donated to Meals on Wheels programs, food banks and other hunger-focused organizations in 21 states via the Walmart Foundation State Giving Councils. On behalf of local Walmart stores, the Walmart Foundation has also contributed more than $1.3 million since January towards the fight against hunger in communities nationwide. Additionally, on the heels of President Obama's recent announcement of the "United We Serve" summer service initiative, Walmart and Sam's Club associates in the For more information on the Walmart Foundation and its hunger relief efforts, visit www.walmartfoundation.org. About Philanthropy at Walmart Stores, Inc. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) 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, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international Foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org. About Boys & Girls Club of For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has helped kids "Be Great," providing hope and opportunity for those who need it most. Today, more than 4,300 Clubs serve some 4.5 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Known as The Positive Place for Kids, Boys & Girls Clubs can be found throughout the country and on About Feeding Feeding # # #Walmart Foundation Expands Hunger Relief Efforts, Donates More Than
$7.8 Million to Support Summer Feeding Programs and
Foundation Also Commits to Purchasing Refrigerator Trucks for Food Banks