Company increases U.S. giving by nearly 64 percent with continued focus on fighting hunger
Washington, D.C., May 6, 2011 – Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced $319 million in cash and $480 million in in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2011. The company’s U.S. giving grew by 64 percent, largely due to donations of produce, meats, poultry and other nutritious food to local food banks from Walmart stores, Sam’s Club locations and distribution centers.
In Washington D.C. Walmart gave $2,434,701 to support nonprofits like D.C. Central Kitchen, D.C. Hunger Solutions, Latin American Youth Center, Capital Area Food Bank and District of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, to name a few.
Last May, Walmart announced a historic $2 billion commitment of cash and in-kind gifts to hunger relief organizations in the U.S. through 2015. In Washington D.C., Walmart donated 215,771 pounds of food to local food banks—the equivalent to nearly $343,075 in in-kind food donations during the last fiscal year. The retailer and its Foundation also gave $62 million in grants to U.S.-based hunger nonprofits. In D.C., Walmart has partnered with D.C. Central Kitchen to provide a $75,000 grant that will support D.C. Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training (CJT) program. CJT is a 12-week, nationally recognized initiative aimed at individuals who are either enrolled in substance abuse recovery programs, or who are ex-offenders, veterans, or those difficult to employ.
“In Washington, D.C., Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have formed partnerships with a variety of local non profit organizations that are making a positive difference in the community. We plan to significantly broaden our commitment to supporting local organizations and important local initiatives across the district, particularly in the critical areas of hunger and workforce development,” says Director of Community Affairs, Steve Restivo.
Overall, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s giving in FYE11 includes:
- $732 million in cash and in-kind gifts in the U.S., up from $467 million in fiscal year ending 2010,
- $66.8 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets, up from $45 million in fiscal year ending 2010,
- $114 million from Walmart’s customers and associates through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities,
- $913 million in charitable contributions from Walmart, its Foundation, its customers and its associates around the globe in fiscal year ending 2011.
“At a time when our community is struggling economically, it is crucial programs like D.C. Central Kitchen’s Culinary Job Training program that give unemployed, underemployed, previously incarcerated persons, and homeless adults the skills they need for successful careers in the foodservice industry,” said Mike Curtin, CEO, D.C. Central Kitchen. “In 2009, the Culinary Job Training program proudly graduated 81 students, helping to prepare them for full-time employment at local restaurants, hotels, caterers and other hospitality businesses. Subsequently, these proud graduates earned more than $2M in salaries, contributed over $215K in payroll taxes, and saved the city millions because of the healthy meals they produced while in the program. This investment has paid off handsomely”.
For example, the company’s giving has impacted neighborhoods in D.C. by:
- Providing a $50,000 grant to D.C. Hunger Solutions, through the Food Research & Action Center, to connect children to nutritious foods during the summer by increasing participation in the D.C. Free Summer Meals Program (DCFSM).
- Supporting programs, like the Latin America Youth Center, with a $64,860 grant that helps provide disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 the opportunity to pursue their GED and/or high school diplomas, career training, personal counseling, leadership development, asset development, and placement opportunities in the job market or in college.
- Awarding local D.C. nonprofit, Brainfood, with $50,000 towards supporting their mission of building life skills and promoting healthy living in a fun and safe environment.
- Helping Urban Ed, Inc. provide District of Columbia children, youth, and adults with technology-driven education, information and skill development for sustained futures with a $25,000 towards their IT Apprenticeship program.
The Walmart Foundation continues to fund efforts in workforce development, education, sustainability and health and wellness. For a state-by-state breakdown of giving, or more information about the Walmart Foundation, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org.
For a snapshot of what Walmart nonprofit organizations are saying about the donations, visit here.
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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org.