BOISE, Idaho (Feb. 12, 2014) – The Walmart Foundation’s Idaho State Giving Program has awarded $185,000 to five organizations located across the state as part of its twice yearly giving program.
Grants have been awarded to local organizations that are addressing the needs of the communities they serve and making a significant social impact including the Post Falls Food Bank, Sandpoint Area Seniors, High Country Resource Conservation and Development Area, Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership and the Boise Rescue Mission.
“Two of the Walmart Foundation’s biggest community giving priorities are hunger relief and sustainability,” said Madeleine Havener, Vice President and Regional General Manager for Walmart. “These Idaho organizations provide shining examples of initiatives that go a long way toward helping people live better through access to healthy, sustainable food. We are excited to be associated with these groups as they make a true difference for those living in the state.”
The following nonprofits received grants to fund local programs that have proven to help those in Idaho with health and wellness, nutrition, food and education:
Post Falls Food Bank received a $30,000 grant which will be used to support its Weekend Nutrition Backpack Program ensuring that low-income, needy students who are experiencing food insecurity at home have nutritious meals throughout the weekend.
“The grant from Walmart will allow us to continue to provide weekend hunger relief to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Sherry Wallis, the organization’s executive director. “Children receiving the kits are identified by school personnel including teachers, nurses, counselors and other staff. The food kits are assembled by volunteers and distributed to the schools on Fridays where they are discreetly tucked into the kiddos’ backpacks by school representatives.”
Sandpoint Area Seniors received a grant of $30,000. The organization will use the money to help fund the Senior Nutrition Meals Program, which provides hot home-delivered meals to seniors and to homebound individuals with no other resources.
High Country Resource Conservation and Development Area was awarded $35,000 to undertake its Pilot Ag Energy Efficiency & Food Recovery Project. Funds will be used for program infrastructure and to provide incentives for farmers to implement energy audits and food recovery.
Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership received $50,000 to support the Upper Valley Food Bank Nutrition Partnership.
Boise Rescue Mission will use its grant of $70,000 to fund food programs for the poor and homeless, specifically food purchases, kitchen supplies, healthy snacks for children's programs, and transportation.
“The grant from the Walmart Foundation will ensure Boise Rescue Mission helps anyone in need who comes through its doors,” said Sarah Zimik, chief development officer for Boise Rescue Mission. “The Mission currently serves 980 meals per day. The meal average will jump up to 1,505 once two new facilities now under construction are fully operational later in 2014.”
Last year in Idaho, the Walmart Foundation and stores throughout the state awarded more than $5.3 million in cash and in-kind contributions to community groups that are positioned to address the needs of Idaho communities and make a significant social impact within Walmart’s core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment.
In the first half of last year, Walmart’s Idaho State Giving Program granted a combined $100,000 to two Boise-area nonprofits: Idaho FoodBank Warehouse, Inc. and St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)3 tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
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