- Walmart and Walmart Foundation contributions totaled more than $30 million statewide during FYE 2014.
- Due to Walmart’s grant, the Zoë Institute will provide approximately 20 percent more food to clients.
- Due to Walmart’s grant, the Zoë Institute will expand weekend food backpack program to two additional schools.
Tahlequah (September 17, 2014) – Recently, the Walmart Foundation provided nearly $41,000 to the Zoë Institute through the Foundation’s State Giving Program in order to assist with upgrades to their food pantry and expansion of weekend backpack program. Specifically, this grant will positively impact the local community by providing resources for a new walk-in freezer, refrigerator as well as food purchases for the food pantry.
The grant will also allow the organization to expand their weekend backpack program to two additional schools, which allows the organization to discreetly provide kid-friendly foods to children that would otherwise go hungry over the weekend. It takes approximately $200 dollars per child to provide weekend foods throughout the school year.
“Through the Walmart grant we now have the funds to provide 24 additional children with weekend food throughout the 2014/2015 school year,” said Rhonda Clemons-Hill, executive director of the Zoë Institute. “We’re honored to receive this generous grant from the Walmart Foundation, and thanks to their kindness, we’ll be able to continue to ensure families in our community don’t go hungry.”
For over a decade the Zoë Institute has been providing resources primarily to single-mother families, elderly, and children. They have grown to have over 60 volunteers and four part time staff while serving approximately 10,000 families in 2013. The nonprofit also partners with a local Walmart store to participate in the Feeding America program comprised of a network of food banks around the country.
“At the Walmart Foundation, we understand that organizations such as the Zoë Institute are essential to building stronger communities. They share our values and are committed to helping those in need in the communities we serve,” said Holly Luke, Walmart vice president and regional general manager. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that residents in this state will feel a positive effect, and through that effect our impact will be expanded.”
The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
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 www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
As part of Walmart’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in Oklahoma donated 15 million pounds of food, in fiscal year 2014, or the equivalent of 13 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $30 million in fiscal year 2014 in Oklahoma alone. For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit http://foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger.
About Zoë Institute
Zoë Institute’s founding
mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals both in the U.S. and
abroad through education, life skills training, and humanitarian relief
efforts. Zoë Institute has been serving hurting families in Cherokee County for
over 10 years. To learn more about Zoë Institute, visit www.zoeinstitute.com.
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
& 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.
###