A New Partnership Formed in an Effort to Fight Hunger

Wal-Mart and America’s Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network announced they were teaming up in a new effort to end hunger in America.  During the month of March, customers at Wal-Mart and SAM’s Club stores can purchase a “piece of the solution to end hunger” in America at check-out counters nationwide. Wal-Mart will then match the first $5 million raised through the in-store promotion with a donation to the America’s Second Harvest Network.

The Vermont Foodbank, a partner with America’s Second Harvest, will reap the benefits of this national effort.  The Foodbank will receive truckloads of food based on how much money is raised nationally.  The more money raised in Vermont, the more food the Vermont Foodbank will have to distribute to hunger neighbors in need.  The money donated by Wal-Mart will also assist local hunger relief agencies sustain operations and expand food distribution services through a grant program.  

If you would like to participate, please visit your local Wal-Mart (with locations in Bennington, Berlin, Rutland, and Williston).  With only two weeks left in March, the Vermont Foodbank is urging people to seek out this opportunity to get involved in the fight against hunger.

Hunger in Vermont is a reality.  Food pantries and meal sites are serving more people this year than ever.  The Vermont Foodbank is working with 265 network partners to fight hunger in every community in Vermont, but the Foodbank alone will not end hunger.  Only through partnerships will Vermont be hunger free.  Deborah Flateman, CEO of the Vermont Foodbank said "This is a most significant partnership that benefits every food bank in the America's Second Harvest Network. We are especially grateful to be part of this record-breaking initiative."

The Vermont Foodbank is the states only food bank. It serves over 140,000 Vermonters through a 265 network partners throughout the state. These partners include shelters, meal sites, food pantries, senior centers, and after school programs.  More information about the Foodbank can be found at www.vtfoodbank.org

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States.  The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom.  The company's securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT.  More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com.  Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.  More information about Wal-Mart’s charitable giving or other Foundation programs can be found at www.walmartfoundation.org.  
          
For more information, contact
Judy Stermer
(802) 476-3341
jstermer@secondharvest.org