RENO - The public can help Food Bank of Northern Nevada win a $60,000 grant from Walmart as part of "Fight Hunger. Spark Change." a nationwide campaign at food banks across the country. The initiative will provide a total of $3.7 million to Feeding America and participating food banks and local partner agencies that provide hunger relief to millions of people in need of food assistance.
Through Oct. 5, customers can visit www.walmart.com/fighthunger to cast one vote per day that will help direct funds to participating Feeding America food banks - such as Food Bank of Northern Nevada - and local partner agencies. The 50 winning food banks will each receive a $60,000 grant. The campaign also provides information on how customers can donate or volunteer to take a direct action in the fight against hunger in their local communities.
"Walmart is an amazing support of hunger relief all throughout the year and this campaign really allows supporters to get involved in an easy way to make a significant impact for their food bank," said Cherie Jamason, president and CEO for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.
The campaign launches during a critical time in our nation when food banks are facing a growing need for donations due historically high rates of food insecurity. Here in northern Nevada, one in every four of our children struggle with hunger.
And it's a problem nationwide. According to Feeding America's recently released Hunger in America 2014 report, one in seven Americans (46.5 million), including 12 million children, turn to network food banks for food assistance. To help meet this need, Walmart is teaming up with six of the nation's largest food companies - including General Mills, Unilever, Hormel, ConAgra Foods, PepsiCo/Quaker and Kellogg Company - to support food banks and local partner agencies across the country.
"Hunger remains a serious issue in our country as millions of Americans don't know where their next meal will come from. By engaging our associates, customers and suppliers in the fight against hunger, we can make a positive impact on this issue and ensure families have access to the healthier and nutritious food they need," said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and senior vice president of Walmart Sustainability. "Through this initiative, we're giving everyone in America the opportunity to make a difference by simply voting online for their local food bank."
"At Feeding America, we believe no one in America should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from so we are proud to continue our partnership with Walmart to help make this vision a reality," said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America, the nation's largest hunger-relief organization. "Through this initiative, Walmart, along with its associates, customers and suppliers will make a lasting impact in helping to reduce hunger in America."
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