United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Receives $68,000 Grant from Walmart State Giving Program

Gales Ferry, CT (DECEMBER 16, 2013) – United Way of Southeastern Connecticut today announced that it has received a $68,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to support the organization’s mobile food pantry program.

United Way’s Mobile Food Pantry Program is an extension of the work of Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center. It is a custom-made refrigerated truck that delivers perishable food items for direct distribution to people in need. The program offers a way to reach individuals in more remote areas and also offers items that those individuals may not find in a traditional pantry, including fresh fruits and vegetables.  The program currently has six monthly distribution sites, and will be adding two more in the New Year.

“No one in our community should go without food,” said Virginia L. Mason, President & CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “This generous grant from the Walmart Foundation will help us move towards an end to issues that lead to hunger and food insecurity, not just manage them. The grant comes at a time when more and more families are struggling, and we are so grateful to Walmart for making a significant investment in the mobile pantry to bring fresh and healthy foods to those in need.”

“Walmart is proud to support United Way of Southeastern Connecticut,” said Chris Buchanan, Walmart Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations. “We know that food insecurity is a major issue for many individuals and families across the country right now, and organizations such as United Way are more important than ever in ensuring that people can feed themselves and their families.”

The Walmart State Giving Program awards grants in two cycles each year to non-profit organizations that work in the areas of hunger relief and nutrition, education, work development and women’s economic empowerment. In Connecticut in the second giving cycle of 2013, Walmart gave $387,000 to Connecticut non-profits.

 About United Way of Southeastern Connecticut

For more than fifty years, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut has been advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all, focusing on the building blocks for a good quality of life -- helping children to thrive, providing basic human needs and community wellness, and helping people lead independent lives. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done. Everyone is invited to be part of the change by giving, advocating and volunteering. That’s what it means to Live United.

 United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is a locally-based organization serving the towns of New London County. Visit United Way online at www.uwsect.org to get involved.

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 need of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Human 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 lean more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.