Walmart Donates More Than $755,000 to 12 Virginia Nonprofits to Help Meet the Critical Needs of Local Virginia Communities

Retailer's recent donations address hunger, education, workforce development and more throughout the state

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Walmart Foundation announced today the donation of $755,000 to Virginia charities and organizations as part of its ongoing commitment to assist individuals in need in communities across the state. Twelve Virginia-based organizations received funding to help support community initiatives through the retailer's State Giving Program. The various grants will help fund several programs addressing hunger, education, workforce development, sustainability, and health and wellness.

New U.S. Census figures show the childhood poverty rate in Virginia is more than 13 percent, and more than five percent of Virginia families of four are considered to be living in "deep poverty"— earning less than $11,000 per year.  These growing statistics require increased support from all sectors. The recent Walmart Foundation's donations combined with the retailer's additional grants to Virginia charities and nonprofits brings the company's 2010 statewide philanthropic giving to more than $1 million.

"As a store of the community, it is important for Walmart to continue to have a pulse on the needs of its neighbors," said Kimberly Albright, Regional General Manager of Walmart. "We believe we have a responsibility to our associates and customers to support organizations that make meaningful contributions and help address pertinent issues in their communities. We are proud to be able to give locally throughout the state of Virginia and to help Virginians live better."

Walmart established the State Giving Program to further support organizations that create local opportunities for individuals living in the surrounding areas. Selected by a council of Walmart associates who know first-hand the needs of their communities, the nonprofit organizations receive grants starting at $25,000. The funds are used to establish new programs or elevate existing initiatives focused on education, job skills training, environmental sustainability and health. Interested organizations may apply for a grant, which is awarded twice a year, online at www.walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving.

"Walmart is such a huge supporter of food banks across the nation and we are excited to have their support as we work to feed those in need," said Leslie Van Horn, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. "This is the largest non-government funding the Federation has received and we are thrilled to be using these monies for our Fresh Food for Virginians initiative. As the use of mobile pantries increase, we want to grant more access to fresh produce in the Commonwealth to those that might not otherwise receive such nutritious food. This grant will allow us to do this and much more."

The recent recipients of Walmart's Virginia State Giving Program include:

• Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Inc. —  $35,000
• Communities in School of Virginia — $50,000
• Federation of Virginia Food Banks — $200,000
• Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia — $40,000
• Free Clinic of Powhatan — $50,000
• Keep Virginia Beautiful, Inc. — $85,000
• Meals on Wheels of Charlottesville/Albemarle — $45,000
• Roanoke Area Ministries, Inc. — $50,000
• Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center — $25,000
• St. Joseph's Villa — $50,000
• The Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank, Inc. — $100,000
• The Volunteer Center of Virginia Peninsula — $25,000

For more information about Walmart's State Giving program and to apply for a state grant, please visit www.walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving.

About Philanthropy at Walmart: Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. The Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S.

SOURCE Walmart and the Walmart Foundation