NW Kansas Area Agency on Aging among Walmart Foundation grant recipients

Walmart Invests in Kansas Communities with More Than $250,000 in Grants
Celebratory check presentation honors five local nonprofits for their dedicated service

TOPEKA — On Thursday, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation celebrated Hunger Action Month by hosting a celebratory “Day of Giving,” presenting five nonprofit organizations with a total of $252,000 in grants. During the event, Representative Roger Elliott and Representative Sean Tarwater joined Walmart executives, associates and grant recipients gathered at the Kansas City and Wichita Supercenters to reflect on each organization’s positive impact on Kansas residents. To close the ceremony, Walmart presented checks to each nonprofit in attendance.

“At Walmart, we understand the importance of championing community organizations in any way we can,” said Annmarie Browning, Walmart vice president and regional general manager. “Through our partnerships with these five nonprofit organizations, we are able to support programs that address the important issue of hunger relief and assist Kansans in need across the state.”

Twice a year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation look for organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact on a local and state level. The following nonprofits received a Walmart Foundation State Giving grant to fund vital local programs:

The Boys & Girls Club of Topeka received a $36,500 grant to fund renovations to their Teen Center kitchen which provides daily meals for teen Club members. Club members will also learn culinary skills that they will use to not only feed themselves, but also their families. In addition to the kitchen, the teens will construct and run a food pantry for one of the most poverty-stricken neighborhoods in Topeka.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas received a $40,770 grant to fund its Rural Resource Bus Program, which travels to some of Kansas’ poorest rural counties to distribute fresh vegetables, bread and other food to hundreds of Kansans in need. Specifically, the funds will be used to purchase a new bus equipped for efficient delivery, which will allow for hundreds more people to be served each year.
Convoy of Hope received a $58,000 grant to provide continued support for those that are struggling in the community. The goal of Convoy of Hope is to lead a movement of compassion and help kids going back to school by providing backpacks, immunizations, sports and physicals. Convoy of Hope strives to serve the whole family, and also provides connections with social services, job assistance, technical school information, health and dental screenings and groceries.
Mid-America Nutrition Program, Inc. received a $60,446 grant for operational enhancements to improve the organization’s offerings. Mid-America Nutrition Program is a Meals on Wheels provider, delivering hot, nutritious meals each weekday to homebound people age 60 years and older in Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, Linn, Miami and Osage counties in east central Kansas.
The Northwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging received a $56,284 grant to fund its HOMESTEAD Nutrition Project, which provides meals to seniors in need through 29 meal sites in northwest Kansas, as well as delivering meals to an additional 10 towns. The HOMESTEAD Nutrition Project includes the Congregate Meals Program and the Home Delivered Meals Program. The Congregate Meals Program is designed to bring people age 60 and over together to share a hot and nutritious meal. The Home Delivered Meals Program is designed to provide meals to those who are unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves.

“Through the generous donation provided by Walmart, Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka is provided with the tools necessary to combat food scarcity issues that rob our youth of successful futures,” said Dawn McWilliams, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka. “We are thankful for Walmart’s investment and for working hand in hand with Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka to build strong futures for kids in our community who need us most.”

In FY17, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $11.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions last fiscal year to support nonprofit organizations and programs in Kansas focused on fighting hunger and healthy eating, veteran reintegration, workforce development, disaster preparedness and other needs specific to many Kansas communities.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online athttp://giving.walmart.com/foundation.