With the support of the Westmoreland County community, the national campaign generated more than $19.8 million for Feeding America and its national network of food banks

Walmart announced that Westmoreland County residents generated a total of $47,457.09 for the Westmoreland County Food Bank to help fight hunger through the County. Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign encouraged people across the nation to take action against hunger and help families in need through simple acts of support online, in-store purchases and donations. Nationwide, the campaign raised more than $19.8 million to support Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks.

Working with Discover card and five suppliers, Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Kellogg Company, The Kraft Heinz Company and PepsiCo – the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign called on the public to take action and help fight hunger from April 17 – May 15, 2017 by sharing campaign messages via social media, donating to local Feeding America food banks in-store at the Walmart register or purchasing select products that triggered a donation.

According to the USDA, one in eight Americans, including 13 million children, currently struggle with hunger, and the problem affects every community across the United States. Here in Westmoreland County,40,600[1] people face hunger.

“We thank all those who took part in the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign and helped provide meals for individuals who are in need within our own community,” said Kris M. Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of the Westmoreland County Food Bank. “Most people think to donate to food banks during the holiday season, but thanks to the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign we can address this issue during the spring and summer months when donations are often lowest. We’re delighted with this year’s campaign results and the funds we receive will help us provide more fresh produce and grocery items to those in need.”

“This campaign is a great example of our long-standing commitment to hunger relief and our dedication to ensuring that families have access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably grown food,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “Together with Feeding America, our suppliers and customers, we continue to work in the communities we serve to make a real difference for those who are struggling with hunger.”

The ‘’Fight Hunger. Spark Change.’’ campaign is part of Walmart’s larger commitment to provide meals to those in need, helping ensure every family has access to affordable, nutritious and sustainably-grown food. In October 2014, Walmart announced a commitment to create a more sustainable food system, with a focus on improving the affordability of food by lowering the “true cost” of food for both customers and the environment, increasing access to food, making healthier eating easier, and improving the safety and transparency of the food chain. This commitment includes a goal of providing four billion meals to those in need in the U.S. by 2020.

 For more information about how the Food Bank is fighting hunger in Westmoreland County, visit www.westmorelandfoodbank.org.

 

 

About Westmoreland County Food Bank

The Westmoreland County Food Bank serves over 31,000 area residents each year including 9,300 children and 3,410 seniors. WCFB currently has 60 member agencies in their network of emergency feeding sites.  Of those, 43 are food pantries in which low income consumers are able to access emergency food assistance throughout the month. Last year (2016), the Food Bank distributed nearly 7.3 million pounds of food.

50% of WCFB’s food comes from the federal and state governments and the remaining 50% from local donations, food drives, and Feeding America.  Administrative and fundraising costs account for 5% of the Food Bank’s operating budget. 

 

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate.  Together we can solve hunger. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

 

About Walmart 

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 260 million customers and members visit our 11,695 stores under 59 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2017 revenue of $485.9 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.

 

[1] Feeding America, “Map the Meal Gap,” http://map.feedingamerica.org/.  (2017)