Democratic process decides hunger help effort

More than 362,000 votes were cast online in an innovative approach Walmart used to determine how $3.7 million in donations would be allocated among food banks nationwide.



Between September 15 and October 5, Walmart said more than 362,000 votes were cast online for 129 participating Feeding America food banks as part of the retailer’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change,” campaign. The 50 food banks with the most votes each received a $60,000 grant. The two food banks receiving the most votes, roughly double the next closest food bank, were Feeding South Dakota based in Sioux Falls and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley in Youngstown, Ohio.



“We want to thank everyone who rallied together and voted in the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Campaign for their commitment to hunger relief,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and SVP of Walmart Sustainability. “Through the grants, we know the winning organizations and their partners will continue making great strides in the fight against hunger in their communities. By continuing our work together we hope to bring about a day when no family has to wonder where their next meal will come from.”



Helping Walmart and Feeding America with the initiative, were six of the nation’s largest food companies, including General Mills, Unilever, Hormel, ConAgra Foods, PepsiCo/Quaker and Kellogg Company.