LOS ANGELES (September 4, 2019) – The Los Angeles County community helped to raise $206,428.03 for local families in need through Walmart and Sam’s Club’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign. In its sixth year, Walmart and Sam’s Club engaged 18 suppliers and the public in its nationwide campaign that raises money for local food banks and brings national attention to the issue of hunger.

In LA County, 2 million people struggle to put food on their tables. Hunger also impacts more than 500,000 children in our community.

“Our Food Bank team and supporters work hard every day to help people who may not know where they will find their next meal. We need everyone to join the fight to end hunger and we are tremendously grateful to Walmart, Sam’s Club, their associates, dedicated suppliers and everyone in our community who helped to support the ‘Fight Hunger. Spark Change.’ campaign,” said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Each Walmart and Sam’s Club worked with at least one of the 200 local Feeding America member food banks, raising money by encouraging shoppers to make a donation or purchase participating items in-store or online. For every participating product purchased, the equivalent of one meal was donated to a local food bank.

More than $26 million dollars were raised this year through “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” Additionally, Walmart and Sam’s Club exceeded their goal of securing 1 billion meals* for local food banks since the campaign launched.

“Because of the generous support of our suppliers, customers and associates, food banks will be able to do even more this year to help meet the needs in their communities,” said Julie Gehrki, vice president of the Walmart Foundation. “We are passionate about fighting hunger, and through this campaign, we have taken another significant step to help raise awareness of hunger in America and support local efforts to increase access to healthier, nutritious food.”

Through this year’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign, funds raised will provide more than 824,000 meals for hungry families, seniors, children, college students and other individuals facing hunger.

Walmart and Sam’s Club provide donations of both food and funds to the Feeding America nationwide network of 200 food banks. Last year, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank benefited from $160,192 from Walmart and Sam’s Club’s commitment to fight hunger as part of the ‘Fight Hunger. Spark Change.’ campaign.

*$1 helps secure at least 10 meals on behalf of local Feeding America food banks

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, over 275 million customers and members visit our more than 11,300 stores under 58 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites.  With fiscal year 2019 revenue of $514.4 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide.  Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity.  Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.

Anyone can be a hunger hero. Why not you?

We believe that people can do amazing things when they have the right tools. That’s why we’re excited about our #WeFeedLA platform where you can create your own fundraiser. Use it to fight hunger in LA County!