To assist with hunger relief efforts in Texas County, the Walmart Foundation has provided a $35,000 grant to the Texas County Food Pantry through the its State Giving Program.
The grant will provide funding for food, equipment, food transportation and the food manager’s salary, and will add support to the “Blessings in a Backpack” programs that provide weekend food to students at Houston and Success.
“We are seeing an increase in families needing food assistance in our area, and this grant will help us meet their needs,” said food pantry executive director Bennie Cook. “I would like to thank Walmart for helping support hunger relief efforts in Texas County.”
“At the Walmart Foundation, we understand that organizations such as Texas County Food Pantry are essential to building stronger communities,” said Anne Hatfield, of Walmart public affairs. “They share our values and are committed to helping those in need in the communities we serve. Through this grant, we are hopeful that residents in this state will feel a positive effect, and through that effect our impact will be expanded.”
Cook said the mission of the Texas County Food Pantry is to respond to the legitimate needs of the people who request assistance for the basic human needs of food, clothing, healthcare and shelter.
“The pantry’s staff and volunteers are committed to listen with a caring heart, in a manner that respects the person,” he said. “We challenge and encourage our clients to use the services of the food pantry as an opportunity for change and growth in personal responsibility.”
The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through an online grant application, and must have a current 501 [c] 3 tax-exempt status. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
As part of Walmart’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in Missouri donated 23.7 million pounds of food, in fiscal year 2013, or the equivalent of 19.7 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave $43.3 million in fiscal year 2013 in Missouri alone.
For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit http://foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger.
The Texas County Food Pantry’s phone number is 417-967-4484.