DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North Texas Food Bank has announced a $55,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to fund a new staff position -- retail store donation coordinator -- to work directly with local and national retailers to secure additional donated food.
The need for this position stems from the understanding that retail store donations are a critical component in being able to serve more people struggling with hunger. An additional staff person dedicated to working with retailers, both small and large, to rescue and distribute food that might otherwise go to waste will not only help build the capacity of the North Texas Food Bank, but ultimately, help better meet the ongoing local need.
"We are thrilled that the Walmart Foundation has funded this new staff position and appreciate their collaboration as we work hand in hand to fight hunger," said Jan Pruitt, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. "As we work to provide 92 million nutritious meals by 2025, deeper relationships with our retail partners will be key to our success, and we appreciate this grant to fund an important staff position."
The North Texas Food Bank is one of 15 Feeding America member food banks across the country to be awarded a grant for a retail store donation coordinator. The grant is designed to support the first year salary and benefits costs for the staff position.
While the position is funded through a Walmart Foundation grant, the new retail store coordinator will work with all retailers in the area in an effort to secure more food for the North Texas Food Bank. The coordinator also will help educate store personnel on the appropriate guidelines for donations through the food bank's retail donation program.
The funding for the position comes at a time of particular need, as food insecurity remains high throughout the country. According to the USDA, approximately 49 million people – including 16 million children – in the United States struggle with hunger. Here in North Texas, 1 out of every 5 people-- or more than 800,000 North Texans are food insecure.
Through their longstanding commitment to fighting hunger, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provide donations of both funds and food to Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation has set goals to provide four billion meals to those in need in the U.S. through 2020. The North Texas Food Bank is one of Feeding America's 200 member food banks across the country and currently receives product donations from local Walmart stores. To learn more about the Walmart Foundation's commitment to fight hunger visit foundation.walmart.com.