Walmart Foundation Gives $2 Million to Help 'Green' Food Banks

As hunger relief organizations continue to look for new ways to serve an increasing number of U.S. families who need help putting food on their dinner tables, the Walmart Foundation today announced a $2 million donation to help food banks save money on their energy bills. With this funding, 16 food banks will become more energy efficient through simple and relatively low-cost upgrades to lighting, refrigeration or heating and air conditioning equipment that performs better, uses less energy and costs less to operate.

"These grants underscore Walmart's commitment to lead on both hunger relief and sustainability," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "Every dollar these food banks save on energy costs is another dollar they can use to help meet the hunger needs of their local communities."

Annually, the grants are expected to help food banks:

• Save more than $625,000 in energy costs
  • enough to buy 390,000 pounds of food+, or
  • enough to buy more than 300,000 meals#
• Reduce energy use by more than 5.2 million kilowatt hours
  • enough to power more than 400 homes for a year*, or
  • enough to remove more than 700 vehicles from the road for a year*, or
  • the equivalent of avoiding more than 3,700 metric tons of carbon emissions*

"Food Bank For New York City is grateful to the Walmart Foundation for its generous grant to help us make energy-efficient improvements to our warehouse," said Lucy Cabrera, Ph.D, CAE, president and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. "In addition to helping reduce operating costs, these improvements will make the Food Bank a more environmentally friendly organization --something that is very important to us."

This initiative is a part of Walmart's commitment to fighting hunger. In May, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced a $2 billion cash and in-kind commitment through the end of 2015, including:

• Donating more than 1.1 billion pounds of food from Walmart stores, distribution centers and Sam's Club locations, valued at $1.75 billion;
• Giving $250 million in grants to support hunger relief organizations at the national, state and local levels;
• Collaborating with government, food manufacturers and other corporations that are fighting hunger to increase impact and reach a greater number of families in need.

* According to the EPA calculator - http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html

# According to the USDA, 1.28 pounds of food is equivalent to one meal.

+ According to Feeding America, the approximate average wholesale value of one pound of donated product at the national level is $1.60.

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Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country ensuring everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today—and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.