Walmart and Sam's Club Celebrate 20 Years of Fighting Hunger Together With Feeding America

Walmart and Sam's Club's 20-Year Alliance to Combat Hunger

In a powerful collaboration aimed at addressing food insecurity, Walmart and Sam's Club have kicked off their annual 'Fight Hunger. Spark Change.' campaign, now celebrating a remarkable 20-year partnership with Feeding America. This year, the campaign runs from March 1 to March 31, inviting the community to participate in a monumental effort to provide meals for those in need.

A Legacy of Generosity

Walmart and Sam's Club have been actively working together to fight hunger since the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, establishing a foundation built on compassion and action. Over the years, this collaboration has evolved into one of the most influential partnerships in hunger alleviation, having secured over 2 billion meals for local communities through contributions amounting to approximately $271 million, which includes over $177 million from both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation.

Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot expressed gratitude for the impactful partnership, stating, "Our extraordinary partnership is grounded in a shared belief that ending hunger in America is possible. For two decades, Walmart and Sam's Club have brought bold, impactful ideas to the table."

Campaign Highlights

The 'Fight Hunger. Spark Change.' campaign encourages participation in three primary ways:
1. Purchases: For every participating product bought in stores or online, suppliers pledge to donate the equivalent of almost one meal for Walmart purchases and five meals at Sam's Club.
2. In-Store and Online Donations: Customers can donate at checkout either in stores or on the Walmart app and website, directly aiding local food banks.
3. Campaign Website Donations: Contributions can also be made online through Feeding America's dedicated campaign site.

During the month of March, every donation made will directly benefit local Feeding America partner food banks, ensuring that the support goes to individuals who need it most within the community.

Addressing Local Food Insecurity

One notable initiative mentioned during the campaign's launch is the collaboration that has enabled local agencies to enhance their food distribution capabilities. The grants provided by Walmart have helped fund critical resources, including transportation, to ensure more food reaches those in need. For example, a recent grant facilitated the acquisition of a refrigerated trailer for a local food pantry, dramatically improving their operational capacity.

Program lead Jeremy Lynch from the Heart of Alabama Food Bank shared how this grant has transformed their operations, allowing them to help approximately 8,500 families in 2024 alone.

Join the Fight

The ongoing efforts to combat hunger represent more than just a partnership; they demonstrate a commitment to community welfare and resilience. Walmart and Sam's Club aim to engage their customers in these initiatives, showing that collective efforts can lead to substantial change.

This year, 24 suppliers are participating in the campaign, including well-known names such as Coca-Cola, General Mills, and Conagra Foods. Each supplier's involvement underscores the significant impact businesses can have in charitable endeavors and community support.

To learn more about this year’s campaign and how individuals can contribute, visit Feeding America Campaign. Together, we can act against hunger and spark positive change in our communities.

In conclusion, Walmart and Sam's Club's 'Fight Hunger. Spark Change.' campaign not only highlights their longstanding commitment to the fight against hunger but also provides a call to action for communities to join in this critical mission. By working together and supporting local food banks, we can make significant strides towards a hunger-free America.