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Wal-Mart kicks off nationwide campaign to beat hunger

In launching its new "Fight Hunger. Spark Change," campaign, mega retailer Wal-Mart is hoping to put a dent in hunger around the country

April 4, 2016

In launching its new "Fight Hunger. Spark Change," campaign, U.S. mega retailer Wal-Mart is hoping to put a dent in hunger around the country and encourage citizens to help through ecommerce shopping activity.

The campaign hopes to help the Feeding America organization provide 75 million meals to the hungry during the campaign, which runs through April 25.

Wal-Mart is working with five suppliers and offering three ways shoppers can participate in the effort, according to an announcement. Currently one in seven Americans are facing hunger, according to the announcement.

"This campaign is a great example of our long-standing commitment to hunger relief and dedication to ensuring every family has access to affordable, healthier and sustainably grown food," said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart.

"Successful partnerships are the key to making a positive impact on the issue of hunger in the U.S. and we're proud to once again work with Feeding America, the nation's leading organization dedicated to fighting hunger. Together with Feeding America, our suppliers and customers, we're working to generate the equivalent of 75 million meals that will make a real difference for families who are struggling with hunger."

Those wishing to get involved can purchase participating products in Walmart stores. The manufacturers participating will donate nine cents for each product sold to Feeding America — which will secure one meal on behalf of local food banks. Shoppers can also take action via social media and online by using #FightHunger on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and sharing and liking campaign posts on Facebook. For each online act of support, Walmart will donate enough to help Feeding America secure 10 meals (an equivalent of 90 cents) on behalf of member food banks, up to $1.5 million. Shoppers can also donate at the store register.

"Hunger affects people in every community across the country and, at Feeding America, we work hard every day to help people who may not know where they will find their next meal," said Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger-relief organization. "It takes many different groups coming together to strengthen our communities. We are grateful to Walmart and its dedicated suppliers for coming together to launch the 'Fight Hunger. Spark Change' campaign, which provides a great opportunity for all of us to make a difference."