Walmart Helps Local Food Banks Feed Arizona’s Estimated 979,170 Food Insecure Individuals
Walmart is collaborating with Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, year-round to support their network of 200-member food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs nationwide.
This year, through the retailer’s spring “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign, Walmart and Sam’s Club customers and associates raised more than $647,000 for Arizona food banks, helping them provide healthy, nutritious meals to individuals and families struggling to get enough to eat.
While food insecurity is more prevalent in some parts of the country, the reality is that it exists in all communities. According to the US Department of Agriculture, nearly 40 million people face hunger in the U.S., including an estimated 979,170 individuals in Arizona.
Since 2014, the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign has helped raise more than $2.2 million for Arizona food banks, helping secure more than 1 billion meals* for food banks nationwide.
“We can do so much more for our communities when we work together. We’re grateful to our customers, associates and suppliers for their generosity as we take action to fight hunger,” said Todd Peterson, Walmart regional general manager for Arizona. “The food banks in Arizona are doing a wonderful job bringing food to the people who need it most and we’re honored to be a part of their mission.”
In addition to monetary contributions, retail food donations are also an important part of Feeding America’s strategy for fighting hunger, accounting for the largest single source of meals the organization provided to people facing hunger last year.
In 2018, 1.4 billion meals – 32.5% of total meals provided by Feeding America partners—resulted from retail food donations. In Arizona, last year Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centers donated more than 13 million lbs. of food to Arizona food banks and affiliated pantries, resulting in thousands of meals for Arizona families and individuals.
“Every day, Feeding America member food banks see the impact that hunger has on children, families, seniors and communities. We encourage everyone to find their local food bank and take action to help end hunger,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Community support is essential to helping our neighbors in need and we are tremendously grateful to Walmart, Sam’s Club and their dedicated suppliers, associates and customers for their commitment to helping people who struggle to put food on their tables.”
Hunger can affect individuals from all walks of life, but some populations are more at risk. In Arizona, children are one of the most vulnerable groups to food insecurity. According to Feeding America, hungry children are more likely to be hospitalized and face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. As they grow up, kids struggling to get enough to eat are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations.
