BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart has launched another initiative in the fight against hunger with the start of its $2.5 million "Golden Spark" promotion, giving consumers a chance to win "sparks" that will help fund childhood hunger programs in their communities. The promotion is just one part of the company's Fighting Hunger Together fall initiative which brings together customers, associates, Feeding America and five of the nation's largest food companies--ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Kellogg Co., Kraft Foods and Unilever--to provide meals nationwide.
The campaign launches during Hunger Action Month when leading hunger advocates urge individuals to help fight hunger in their local communities.
Through October 14, Walmart will randomly award 40 "Golden Sparks" valued at $50,000 each to consumers who participate in the Fighting Hunger Together Golden Spark promotion.
The winners will choose a community to receive the funding to start or expand a backpack program that provides vital meals to food-insecure children during weekends when they do not have access to free- and reduced-price school meals. Participants can enter to win a "Golden Spark" for their community by visiting www.walmart.com/hunger or Walmart's Live Better Facebook app.
Also, Walmart associates can compete together for their store to win 10 additional "Golden Sparks" totaling $500,000 for their communities by logging the most hunger relief volunteer hours during the life of the campaign.
Through October 12, customers will be able to generate meal donations for Feeding America by purchasing select products from participating food suppliers at Walmart stores and following instructions on the packaging, engaging in the "Give Meal" section of the website or using a mobile app to generate meal donations for Feeding America.
The Fighting Hunger Together fall initiative is part of Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart and the Walmart Foundation's $2 billion commitment through 2015 to fight hunger. As a part of this commitment, Walmart and its foundation pledged to donate more than 1.1 billion pounds of food from Walmart stores, distribution centers and Sam's Club locations, valued at $1.75 billion, as well as $250 million in grants to support hunger relief organizations.
In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability and health and wellness initiatives.
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