Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced $958.9 million in cash and in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2012. The company’s U.S. giving grew nearly 20 percent, largely due to increased donations of produce, meats, poultry and other nutritious food to local food banks from Walmart stores, Sam’s Club locations and distribution centers. In Washington, Walmart gave more than $15 million supporting nonprofits like FareStart in Seattle, Second Harvest Food Bank in Spokane and Emergency Food Network of Tacoma-Pierce County.
“The Walmart Foundation is very pleased to be supporting these organizations and are committed to helping those in need in the communities where we serve,” says Matti Havener, Walmart Senior Director, Regional General Manager for Washington and Oregon.
In 2010, Walmart announced a historic $2 billion commitment of cash and in-kind gifts to hunger relief organizations in the U.S. through 2015. In Washington, Walmart donated 7,400,266 pounds of food to local food banks—nearly six million meals in the last fiscal year. The retailer and its Foundation also gave $60 million in grants to U.S.-based hunger nonprofits and has partnered with Seattle Human Services Department to grant $225,000 to sustain the Summer Food Service Program, which provides thousands of Seattle children ages 1 through 18 free breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Overall, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s giving in the last fiscal year includes:
- $872.7 million in cash and in-kind gifts in the U.S., up from $732 million in fiscal year ending 2011;
- $86.2 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets, up from $66.8 million in fiscal year ending 2011;
- $958.9 million in global charitable contributions from Walmart and its Foundation in fiscal year ending 2012; and
- Included in the $958.9 million is $101.3 million in cash and in-kind gifts given by Sam’s Club and the Sam’s Club Giving Program to support local U.S. organizations which included 49.6 million pounds of food or more than 38 million meals. The Sam’s Club Giving Program also supports small business success and preventative health and wellness programs.
In addition, Walmart and Sam’s Club customers and associates around the world raised $140 million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities. As one example, during the 2011 Christmas season our associates and customers in the U.S. raised $46.5 million during the Red Kettle campaign to benefit local chapters of the Salvation Army.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Walmart Foundation for their continued support of our mission, especially in this, our 20th anniversary year,” said Megan Karch, CEO of FareStart. “As FareStart continues increasing its impact—serving more individuals more effectively and for a longer timeframe—we are grateful to partners like Walmart for playing such an essential role in moving our mission forward and ultimately, helping to eliminate poverty and hunger through access to employment and nutritious food.”
The Walmart Foundation continues to fund efforts in workforce development, education, sustainability and health and wellness. For a state-by-state breakdown of giving, or more information about the Walmart Foundation, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.