Walmart funds path to success in Florida

The Walmart Foundation is investing in job training efforts in Florida by giving more than $1 million in grants to 21 nonprofits across the state.

"Through these grants, more than 20 deserving nonprofit organizations will be able to continue funding vital local programs across the state,” said Senate President Andy Gardiner. “Thanks to Walmart and the Walmart Foundation for recognizing the impact these programs have on so many lives. We appreciate their continued investment in communities throughout Florida."

The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. Over the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $82 million in cash and in-kind contributions to charitable organizations throughout Florida.

“Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are uniquely positioned to make a significant, positive impact in the communities we serve across the state,” said Jim Lewis, Walmart regional general manager for North Florida. “The organizations being recognized by Walmart this cycle work tirelessly to provide relief, and we are honored to be supporting their efforts to help residents most in need.”

In 2014, Walmart delivered a year early on a 2010 commitment to contribute $2 billion to fight hunger. As part of that commitment, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated 1.1 billion meals to those in need, and helped Feeding America grow its capacity to rescue and distribute more perishable food across the U.S. in a sustainable, cost-effective way.

In Florida, Walmart donated more than 43 million pounds of food to local food banks — nearly 36 million meals in the last fiscal year. Walmart representatives alongside state and local officials kicked off the statewide giving tour by awarding $225,000 to nonprofits in the Central Florida area.

Nonprofit recipients included:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc., Leesburg: BGCLSC received a $45,000 grant for its Healthy Snacks and Meals for Healthy Kids program.

• Catholic Charities of Central Florida Inc., Orlando: Catholic Charities received a $75,000 grant for the Agape Food Bank’s SmilePak program.

• Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Orlando: The Coalition received a $50,000 grant for its Meal Service Program.

• Promise Inc., West Melbourne: Promise received a $25,000 grant for its Hydroponic Garden Vocational Training & Employment Program.

• The Society of Saint Andrew Inc., Orlando: The Society received a $30,000 grant for its Florida Gleaning Network program.