|  Walmart Foundation Grant to Help Feed Hungry Seniors at Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties
Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties has been awarded $15,000 through a Walmart Foundation grant to the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). The money will provide Meals-on-Wheels with much-needed support, which is critical to continue serving seniors in our neighborhoods.
This financial support is desperately needed as many Meals On Wheels programs across the country are struggling to survive during this economic downturn. The "Walmart Foundation Impact Grant" is intended to help programs, like Meals-on-Wheels continue to meet the long term equipment needs of providing meals to our seniors throughout Johnson and Ellis counties.
"Seniors have been hit especially hard in this economy and we feel a responsibility to help," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "We're proud to support Meals on Wheels programs across the U.S. who work on the front lines of ending senior hunger."
Last year, many Meals On Wheels programs were forced to change or reduce their services, but the Walmart Foundation stepped in to help restore those meals. This year, the Walmart Foundation is spending more than $2 million nationwide to make sure Meals On Wheels programs have the equipment they need to maintain their operations into the future.
"Thanks to the Walmart Foundation Impact Grant, we now have better tools to keep feeding seniors for years to come," said Vinsen Faris, Meals-on-Wheels executive director. "This grant will help us provide the next meal to many of our clients in need and will truly make a difference for the seniors in all our communities."
Meals-on-Wheels serves more than 750 clients throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties each day. This month, the organization is celebrating "March for Meals," a national awareness campaign to alert the community about senior hunger, recruit more volunteers, and raise more money. Resources, such as volunteers and donations, are needed to continue the services to the homebound elderly and disabled throughout the county. There are several events going on during the month-long celebration such as "Mayors for Meals" on March 24, where local elected officials will be delivering in their communities, and finally, a special event, "Fabulous 40’s Fling," on Saturday, March 27. Tickets and sponsorships are available online or by contacting the Meals-on-Wheels' offices.
"The Walmart Foundation has once again stepped up to the plate as a powerful partner in the fight to end senior hunger," said Enid Borden, president and CEO of MOWAA. "They are our largest corporate partner to date and their support will make a tremendous impact in helping our programs sustain meal services well into the future. We can't thank the Walmart Foundation enough for joining us in our national movement to end senior hunger in America by 2020."
Those interested in the March events, volunteering, donating, or who know of someone in need of services are asked to call Meals-on-Wheels or email info@mowjec.org. Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based non-profit organization serving the residents of Johnson and Ellis counties for 33 years.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org. |
