Walmart Grants $15 Million to Feeding America® to Help Strengthen Food Access for Families Across the Country
Investment builds on more than two decades of collaboration, helping the Feeding America network rescue and distribute more nutritious food
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 30, 2026 — For more than two decades, Walmart and Feeding America have worked together to help get food to people who need it. Today, as Feeding America estimates nearly 48 million people across the country experience food insecurity, and food banks work to keep pace with growing need, Walmart announced a new $15 million grant to Feeding America to help more families put food on the table by strengthening how food is rescued, moved and delivered through the charitable food system.
Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs are already a significant source of food for the Feeding America network, donating 769 million pounds of food in the U.S. in FY2026 alone. But getting available food from stores to families requires food banks and local agencies to have the people, equipment, storage, transportation and technology to safely rescue and distribute it.
The new investment will help build that capacity. A significant portion of the funding will go directly to food banks and local agencies to expand retail food rescue infrastructure and help them collect, store and distribute more nutritious food. The grant will also support technology and tools to help manage and move food more efficiently across the Feeding America network, as well as efforts to help improve food access for families across America.
Building on the success of similar capacity grants in which food banks have doubled the growth of retail food donation rates, Feeding America expects this investment to help their network rescue 500 million pounds of food over the next 18 months.
“Food banks and local agencies are pillars in their communities, and we know many are being asked to do more,” said Julie Gehrki, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy at Walmart. “Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs donate millions of pounds of food every year, but getting that food to families depends on a strong network of food banks and local organizations. This investment is about helping give them more of the resources and tools they need to get food where it can do the most good.”
“At a time when neighbors are facing higher costs for food and other essentials, communities need every part of the food system working together” said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. “Walmart has been a longstanding and deeply committed partner in helping make nutritious food available to communities across the country. This investment will strengthen the people, infrastructure and technology needed to move more of that food where is needed the most, while helping families access critical nutrition support like SNAP. That is the kind of support this moment requires."
The grant is the latest chapter in more than two decades of work between Walmart and Feeding America. Beyond food donations and direct investment, Walmart has helped bring customers and suppliers into the effort through Fight Hunger. Spark Change.
This year, the campaign helped generate more than $18 million, the equivalent of more than 180 million meals, from Walmart, customers, members and participating suppliers to Feeding America® and local network food banks. Since Fight Hunger. Spark Change. began in 2014, the campaign has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger.
*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local partner food banks.
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Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 280 million customers and members visit more than 10,900 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2026 revenue of $713 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 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 corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.
About Feeding America
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America® unites communities through a nationwide network to ensure everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation's most effective food distribution systems driving immediate impact today — and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters united with the unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
