Walmart Gives $467 Million to U.S. Nonprofits

BENTONVILLE, Ark., April 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Walmart today announced its charitable giving in the U.S. totaled more than $467 million in cash and in-kind gifts in fiscal year ending 2010 (FYE10, Feb. 1, 2009 to Jan. 31, 2010)—an $89 million increase over the previous year's giving. In international markets, Walmart gave $45 million in cash and in-kind gifts.  

In the U.S., Walmart doubled donations to food banks at a time when they are being accessed more than ever. Giving more than 127 million pounds of nutritious food—the equivalent of nearly 100 million meals—from Walmart stores, Walmart distribution centers and Sam's Club locations, Walmart increased food donations by 81 million pounds over its FYE09 totals.

"We've challenged ourselves to look at ways to make long-lasting impacts in communities around the globe by funding programs that address critical needs, like hunger, education and job training," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "Our business is growing and as a result we're fortunate that our charitable giving is increasing as well."

A Snapshot of Walmart's Giving Impact:

• More than 93,000 children were fed through a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of America's summer feeding program,
• Forty-thousand teachers were awarded $100 gift cards as part of Walmart's Teacher Rewards program, which helps offset expenses for classroom supplies,
• Sixty-nine food banks across America received refrigerated trucks from the Walmart Foundation to help increase their capacity, and
• More than 90,000 bottles of water, 24,000 blankets, 27,000 tents and more than 20,000 units of medical supplies like gauze and surgical masks were donated in response to the Haiti earthquake, to name a few.  

In addition, Walmart associates in the U.S. donated more than 1.5 million volunteer hours in FYE10, a 25 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. As the company continues its commitment to operating globally and giving back locally, it will look to associates to play a more active role in grant making during FYE11 with $5 million in local grants being decided based on associate online voting.

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 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 $467 million in cash and in-kind gifts, including donating 127 million pounds of nutritious food to U.S. food banks. Internationally, Walmart gave $45 million in cash and in-kind gifts to charitable organizations. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

*Ed. Note: Walmart operates Foundations in the U.S., Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom. In addition to its Foundation giving, Walmart makes charitable contributions locally in every community where it operates.

SOURCE Walmart