DANVILLE — Walmart has identified Danville as one of 200 communities nationwide hit hardest by unemployment and struggling with hunger.
Between now and April 30, Walmart is giving away $2 million to fight hunger by asking consumers to visit its Facebook page to vote for one of the 200 communities.
The community with the most votes will receive $1 million to help fight hunger, and the next 20 communities will each receive $50,000 for hunger relief.
The winning communities will be announced on May 1. Thus far, more than 48,000 votes have been cast in the campaign and users can vote once a day until April 30.
Walmart’s Facebook campaign comes at a time when there has been a decrease in donations to food banks, leaving them unable to meet the needs of nearly 49 million Americans who at some point this year will be uncertain where their next meal will come from. Many of the communities suffering from food shortages are those communities with high levels of unemployment.
“Hunger is a defining issue for America as millions struggle to put food on the table every day. Helping fight hunger is something our associates, customers and supplier partners believe in and together we can help make a positive impact on this issue,” Jack Sinclair, executive vice president of Walmart’s U.S. grocery business, said in a press release. “Simply by going into a Walmart store or going online, every consumer in America has the opportunity to join this effort.”
Walmart’s Facebook campaign is intended to drive funds into those cities where the need is greatest.
In addition to the Facebook campaign, Walmart is inviting customers to visit one of its 3,854 Walmart stores and Neighborhood Markets nationwide and purchase products from participating suppliers — General Mills, ConAgra Foods, Kraft Foods and Kellogg Company — who are helping to provide more than 42 million meals to families struggling with hunger.
As the nation’s largest grocer and largest retailer, Walmart is uniquely positioned to help end hunger in America. In 2010, the company committed $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger. As a part of this commitment, Walmart 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.
The company also is lending its expertise to help food banks operate more efficiently. Thus far, Walmart has contributed more than 594 million pounds of food and $122 million in grants to hunger relief programs.
To participate
To vote for Danville in Walmart’s Facebook campaign, visit http://apps.facebook.com/walmartfighthunger. Click on “Go to App” button and download it. Then select state and community and click “Vote and Share” button. Votes can be cast every 24 hours.
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
