Walmart grants $15 million to Feeding America to help strengthen food access for neighbors nationwide

Feeding America today announced a new $15 million grant from Walmart that will strengthen the systems that make food access possible for neighbors across the country.

The announcement builds on the momentum of Hunger Action Month, when people across the country stepped up in support of neighbors facing hunger. Walmart's grant helps carry that momentum forward  with investments that equip food banks and partner agencies to rescue more surplus food, modernize the tech infrastructure that moves food donations efficiently, and support households in accessing government nutrition programs.
 
"At a time when neighbors are facing higher costs for food and other essentials, communities need every part of the food system working together," said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. "Walmart has been a longstanding and deeply committed partner in helping make nutritious food available to communities across the country. This investment will strengthen the people, infrastructure and technology needed to move more of that food where it is needed most, while helping families access critical government nutrition programs. That is the kind of partnership this moment requires."

Walmart's investment comes at a time when food insecurity remains high nationwide and many neighbors continue to face ongoing pressure from the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and health care, while food banks are experiencing increased demand.

Grant funding will support food banks and local partner agencies with the staffing, transportation, cold storage, technology and training needed to increase the frequency of donated food pickups. The investment will also modernize and expand MealConnect, Feeding America’s food rescue platform, creating a more connected food rescue system that helps food banks identify donation opportunities faster, simplify donation and pickup workflows and recover more surplus food.

Additionally, funding will help food banks support neighbors who are navigating changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through outreach, education, and application assistance, the Feeding America network will help eligible households understand evolving requirements, maintain benefits and connect with critical nutrition resources.

"Food banks and local agencies are pillars in their communities, and we know many are being asked to do more," said Julie Gehrki, president of the Walmart Foundation and senior vice president of philanthropy at Walmart Inc. "Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs donate millions of pounds of food every year, but getting that food to families depends on a strong network of food banks and local organizations. This investment is about helping give them more of the resources and tools they need to get food where it can do the most good."

Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs donated about 770 million pounds of food to the Feeding America network in the U.S. in fiscal year 2026. Building on the success of similar capacity grants in which food banks have doubled the growth of retail food donation rates, the investment is expected to help the Feeding America network rescue 500 million pounds of food over the next 18 months. 

For more than 20 years, the partnership between Feeding America and Walmart has reflected a shared commitment to creating a more efficient, connected and fair hunger-relief system that can respond to today's challenges while building long-term community resilience.

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About Feeding America

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.