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Walmart donates $100,000 to meal delivery agency
TERRE HAUTE -- More senior citizens in west-central Indiana can be assured of daily hot home-delivered meals thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to Area 7 Agency On Aging And Disabled/WCIEDD Inc.
For more than 35 years, Area 7 has provided nutrition services to senior citizens in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties. Severe cuts in Federal funding have forced Area 7 to take extreme measures. "For the first time in more than 15 years we have had to establish a waiting list for home delivered meals and deny service to additional seniors who want to participate in our congregate meal program," said Judith Anderson, Vigo County Commissioner and West Central Board President. "For the majority of the seniors on the waiting list, not being able to obtain home delivered meals adversely affects their ability to remain independent and stay in their own homes," she explained.
"We are so grateful to the Walmart Foundation because this $100,000 grant allows us to provide daily meals to more people in our communities despite the cutbacks," Anderson said.
"I am honored, through the Walmart Foundation, to present this grant to Area 7 because we know it will help people who really need assistance," Walmart Market Manager Russ Koenig said. Koenig is a Terre Haute resident and oversees the operations of seven Walmart stores in the area.
In 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation launched "Fighting Hunger Together" -- a $2 billion cash and in-kind commitment through 2015 to fight hunger in America. This initiative leverages Walmart's size and resources to provide nutritious food and the Walmart Foundation's ability to grant funding to nonprofits that help elevate the issue. In 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation became the first partners of Feeding America to surpass 1 billion meals donated.
The Area 7 home delivered meals program delivers a balanced, hot lunch-time meal five days a week to seniors who are able to remain in their home.
Staff members who deliver meals to homebound older persons check on the welfare of the homebound individuals and are encouraged to report any health or other problems that they may note during their deliveries. This also gives the homebound seniors face-to-face contact with another person five days a week.
In four of the counties served by Area 7, it provides the only available home delivered meal program. In the other two counties a fee-based home delivered meal program is available but only within the largest city or town in the county. Five of the six counties are over 70 percent rural.
The Walmart Foundation supports organizations creating opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program works to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive affect on communities across the U.S. Indiana grant decisions are made by Hoosier associates.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program's online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to meet the program's minimum funding criteria.
Visit foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/state-giving for more information about the program's funding guidelines and application process.
In 2012, Indiana Walmart stores, Sam's Club locations and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $31.7 million in cash and in-kind donations to Hoosier organizations in the communities they serve. Through additional funds donated by customers and Walmart and Sam's Club associates around the state, Indiana contributions totaled more than $34.6 million.
About Philanthropy by Walmart and the Walmart Foundation
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 has donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's and the Walmart Foundation's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.