[Hampton, VA] – May 7, 2014 – The Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula has been selected to receive a $50,000 grant to assist with our BackPack Program from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program. The BackPack Program is one of many child hunger outreach programs operated by the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. The BackPack Program was created to break the cycle of hunger and food insecurity for children in low-income communities by providing them with healthy, nutritious foods that are easy to prepare, to take home on weekends or extended holidays throughout the school year when other resources are not available.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program. It enables us to continue to serve children who may go without food over the weekend”, said Michele Benson-Howell, Chief Development Officer. “We are dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious foods that are easily transportable to sustain this program, and we are so grateful to Walmart for their donation.”

The Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula currently distributes bags to 26 BackPack sites and pack over 1,400 backpacks each week for students in Title I schools. Demand is high and due to budget restraints, there is a waiting list to participate in this program. The donation from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program will support nutritious food purchases for the BackPack Program throughout the school year.

Walmart has continued to be a valued community partner of the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. Between retail food donations, dedicated associates who volunteer their time, and continued Foundation funding, Walmart repeatedly proves that it shares our vision of inspiring hope by helping to lead the effort for a hunger free and properly nourished community.

“The Walmart Foundation is pleased to support the Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula and their BackPack Program,” said Amanda Henneberg, Manager Public Affairs, Walmart. “Through this grant, children in the community receive the nutritious and healthy meals they deserve and need.”

About the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula

Since 1986, the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula has been providing hunger relief to the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Surry and York. With the support of over 200 member agencies, the organization has provided over 108 million meals in 28 years. The Foodbank is a proud member of Feeding America, the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, and the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. Our vision is to inspire hope by leading the effort for a hunger free and properly nourished community. For more information, visit us online at www.hrfoodbank.org, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VAPenFoodbank, or on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/hrfoodbank.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.

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