Walmart Expands Commitment in Fight Against Hunger


Winston-Salem, NC—August 25, 2008 —As part of their on-going commitment to help those in need and improve the quality of life in communities it serves, Walmart today presented Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC with a check for $53,500 during the graduation ceremony of the organization’s Triad Community Kitchen Theta Class.

“We’re well aware of the challenges Second Harvest Food Bank is facing right now in terms of the growing need for food assistance among families that rely on its partner agencies for help and we wanted to do more,” said Jeff Powell , District Manager for Walmart and Second Harvest Food Bank board member. Walmart serves these communities as well and is committed to supporting the organization’s efforts to help ensure no one goes hungry in Northwest NC .”

The $53,500 donation made to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC will help support the Triad Community Kitchen program as well as Second Harvest Food Bank’s primary food distribution program, which serves as a significant source of food for nearly 400 non-profit organizations in 18 Northwest NC counties.

Walmart is a year-round supporter of Second Harvest Food Bank and 205 other member food banks of America ’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network, providing donations of food and funds and encouraging employee volunteerism. The nationwide partnership began as a collaborative response to the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The partnership continues today at the corporate and community level to address the daily tragedy of hunger in communities across America .

“Walmart is a good friend to Second Harvest Food Bank and other America ’s Second Harvest food banks across the nation,” said Nan H. Griswold, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC . The donation is timely on a number of levels, but especially as we announce the new name of our national organization and prepare to kick of Hunger Action Month on September 1. A significant contribution like this from a company like Walmart says to the community… hunger matters and partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank through donations of funds, volunteer hours and food is a worthwhile investment.”