Press Releases
Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, standing at center, and Kevin Thompson of Walmart, kneeling at left, join recipients of Walmart Foundation State Giving Grants for a group photo following a news conference to announce 10 grants for more than $500,000 Monday in the state Capitol. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture photo)
Commissioner Quarles and Walmart Award More Than a Half-Million Dollars to Kentucky Nonprofits
Organizations Gather for a Day of Giving at the Statehouse
FRANKFORT (November 20, 2017) — Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles and Walmart hosted a “Day of Giving” at the Statehouse in Frankfort. Commissioner Quarles presented over a half-million dollars to 10 nonprofits receiving Walmart Foundation State Giving Grants in addition to discussing the Kentucky Hunger Initiative.
“When we first started the Kentucky Hunger Initiative a year and a half ago, one thing we learned is that nonprofit organizations know best about where they need help the most,” said Commissioner Ryan Quarles. “I am so proud to live in a state where good corporate neighbors like Walmart and its foundation give back to the communities where they operate.”
Last year, Commissioner Quarles launched the Kentucky Hunger Initiative, a first-of-its-kind effort in Kentucky to identify food solutions for Kentuckians who need it most. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Hunger Initiative represents a collaboration of farmers, educators, restaurateurs, retailers, food distributors and chefs.
“At Walmart, we are honored to support these nonprofit organizations that continue to strengthen our communities across the Commonwealth,” Kevin Thompson, Director of Public Affairs for Walmart. “In addition to the thousands of community service hours our associates perform and the in-kind donations that are spread throughout the communities we serve, these state giving grants allow us to help local nonprofit organizations fulfill their mission and continue on their path of service.”
The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
The following nonprofits were recognized at the event today:
- God’s Pantry Food Bank – $75,000.00
- Ashland Community Kitchen – $40,000.00
- Purchase Area Development District – $108,000.00
- Boys and Girls Club of Hopkinsville – $70,000.00
- Feeding America Kentucky’s Heartland – $80,000.00
- Samaritan’s Feet International – $25,000.00
- Kentucky Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch Trust – $25,000.00
- Apple Patch Community Inc. – $30,000.00
- American National Red Cross – $25,000.00
- Boys & Girls Haven – $25,000.00
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
As part of Walmart’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger, Walmart stores in Kentucky donated 12.2 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2017, or the equivalent of 10.2 million meals. In fact, in this giving cycle alone, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation awarded over $370,000 to five Kentucky nonprofits. For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger.
