Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee recently received a $124,000 contribution to assist with the Food for Kids program, which provides supplemental weekend food to area children. The grant — which was given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program — will ensure that more than 10,300 children will receive nutritious food over the weekends, when they often do not receive sufficient healthy food
“Grant money is so vital for sustaining this program,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank. “One of our school teachers told us, ‘This Food for Kids means so much to our kids, and to us as teachers. Since getting the food, the kids are able to focus on their work and let go of worrying about what they will eat.’ This program — and this funding — is critical to the wellbeing of the kids in our communities in East Tennessee.”
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributed more than 15 million meals to the hungry last year, serving 168,000 people in need every month. More than 10,300 children receive supplemental food every weekend through the Food for Kids program.
“Every day, across the country, people are struggling to put food on their tables,” said Walmart Regional General Manager Shana Bailey-DeSmit. “By collaborating with nonprofit partners like Second Harvest Food Bank, we are hopeful that children in East Tennessee will get the essential, nutritious food they need to arrive at school on Mondays ready to learn.”
The contribution to Second Harvest was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Tennessee State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
In 2013, the Tennessee State Giving Program awarded more than $1 million to local organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Feed America First of Tennessee, and the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. In Tennessee, a team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/state-giving.
In 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. This includes more than $30 million given locally in Tennessee. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 2.2 million hours, generating $18 million to U.S. nonprofits.