Community Food Bank of San Benito County was one of two food distribution agencies to receive grants totaling $102,000 through Walmart’s California State Giving Program earlier this month.
Community Food Bank received $67,000, which is earmarked for acquisition of a truck to support food distribution to 3,500 local people each month.
An additional $35,000 was awarded to Rancho Cielo for its Drummond Culinary Academy in Monterey County. The academy is a charter vocational high school tailored to train at-risk youth in the Salinas area in a real-work environment.
“We’re proud to support Community Food Bank of San Benito County and Rancho Cielo in their efforts to fight hunger in our community and help give our youth valuable skills that put them on a path to successful employment,” said Salinas Walmart Market Manager James Maynard. “Their work is making a real difference in the lives of thousands of people in our community.”
Twice a year, the Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Program awards grants to local organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact.
Community Food Bank of San Benito County was awarded a $67,000 grant for the purchase of the new truck to support the food bank’s program.
“We’re grateful for this grant from the Walmart Foundation as it will support food acquisition and distribution in San Benito County,” said Maria Lynn Thomas, the chief executive officer of the Community Food Bank of San Benito County. “It will help us serve those with the greatest need — low-income seniors, families, children, homeless and disabled residents of our community.”
The food bank is the only countywide source of nutritious food for residents and for other agencies that serve people in need–children’s programs, shelters, senior programs and emergency food distributions in San Benito County.
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation look for organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact within Walmart’s core areas of giving: hunger relief & healthy eating, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment and career opportunity.
During the last fiscal year Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1.47 billion of cash and in-kind contributions, including efforts to fight hunger, provide economic opportunity and advance sustainability practices. In California, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s giving exceeded $58 million.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving. The next application cycle opens on July 13, 2015.