Walmart grant will help fund mobile pantries | Fort Myers Florida ...

The Harry Chapin Food Bank has received $42,000 from the Walmart Foundation to help fund mobile pantries in the five-county area the food bank serves: Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry.

The grant to the food bank is one of 17 grants made to Florida nonprofits totaling more than $940,000.

“Walmart is uniquely positioned to help fight hunger here in Florida and create a long-lasting, positive impact in communities across the state,” said Monesia Brown, chair of Walmart’s State Giving Program Council. “Supporting local hunger-relief programs is one way in which we are doing just that, helping Florida children and families have access to nutritious food.”

Mobile pantries are one of the most efficient ways for the Harry Chapin Food Bank to distribute fresh, nutritious food directly to clients, many of whom do not have access to grocery stores due to location or lack of transportation.

“Mobile pantries are an important part of our strategy to end hunger, especially in outlying areas,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Walmart is a great partner, and we are very grateful for their generous support for this program.”

Each mobile pantry distribution can serve up to 250 households. Clients receive an average of 30-40 pounds of food. During the last fiscal year, the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 1,018,281 pounds of food through 204 mobile pantries.

Every dollar donated to the Harry Chapin Food Bank translates to $8 in food value. In fiscal year 2015-16, the Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 20.6 million pounds of food and other grocery items, including 6.4 million pounds of fresh produce. The food, valued at $34 million, is the equivalent of 17 million meals for people in need.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank is recognized as a four-star organization by Charity Navigator, the national nonprofit watchdog organization. The food bank is also a United Way partner agency. For more information or to make a donation, call 334-7007 or visit www.harrychapinfoodbank.org. ¦

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