With many Arkansas children in need of food, Walmart contributes to the cause
WASHINGTON—The National Governors Association (NGA) today honored Walmart Stores, Inc., with its annual Public-Private Partnership Award at the closing plenary session of the 2011 NGA Winter Meeting. The award, in its fifth year, recognizes NGA Corporate Fellow companies that have partnered with a governor's office to implement a program or project that positively affects the state's citizens.
Walmart was nominated by Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe for its leadership in the No Kid Hungry Campaign, which brings together leaders with the knowledge, experience and resources to improve access to hunger relief programs, strengthen community infrastructure for food delivery and expand families' knowledge about available healthy food resources throughout Arkansas. Walmart committed immediately to the initiative, contributing $150,000 to fund first-year program priorities, and, as part of a diverse group of stakeholders, helping to identify ways the organizations involved can interface with each other to best utilize their resources to end childhood hunger. Nationally, Walmart has already donated $2 billion in cash and in-kind commitments, and the five-year initiative includes providing more than 1.1 billion pounds of food from Walmart stores, distribution center and Sam's Club locations.
"Walmart has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropic efforts across the nation, but its efforts here in Arkansas have been particularly generous and noteworthy," Gov. Beebe said. "We can maximize the potential of every child only when the most basic health and wellness needs are met. Walmart's immediate willingness to help fund and facilitate the No Kid Hungry Campaign speaks volumes about the company and its dedication to Arkansas's youngest citizens."
"Walmart's business and charitable giving are united in their commitment to eradicate hunger here in Arkansas and across the entire nation," said Gerard Derhman, senior director for public affairs and government relations. "Walmart is proud to use its size and scale to help put food on the table for the children of Arkansas and the millions of other Americans who suffer from food insecurity in the U.S."
The NGA Corporate Fellows Program, now in its 22nd year, promotes the exchange of information between the private sector and governors on emerging trends and factors affecting both business and state government.
For more information about the NGA Corporate Fellows Program, visit www.nga.org/cf.
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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s, most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.