Wal-Mart Foundation Gives $25,000 to Project Bread

Grant Supports Food for Frail Homebound Seniors in Boston

The Wal-Mart Foundation recently awarded Project Bread $25,000 to support the Food for Seniors Program. This program supports Project Bread’s mission by providing immediate hunger relief to homebound elders while helping them enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps.” Escalating food costs and fixed incomes are causing an increasing number of seniors to seek out food assistance.

“Project Bread is grateful that the Wal-Mart Foundation recognizes the importance of our Food for Seniors Program,” says Ellen Parker, executive director. “SNAP benefits are a win-win strategy, giving seniors the nutrition they need while also bringing federal dollars into the state’s economy.”

Funding from the Wal-Mart Foundation will enable Project Bread to build upon its considerable experience reaching hungry elders through new partnerships with three critical homecare organizations: Central Boston Elder Services in Roxbury, Ethos in Jamaica Plain, and Boston Senior Home Care. These organizations serve 7,000 low-income seniors in neighborhoods across the City of Boston. Caseworkers from these organizations visit homebound seniors to access their need for food. Supported by emergency vouchers provided by the grant, the caseworkers will then help the seniors order groceries, arranging for home delivery or contacting family members for shopping assistance. Beyond this, caseworkers work with Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline to help elders apply for SNAP benefits for longer-term help. Caseworkers make sure that each senior’s application for benefits is completed correctly and sent to the MA Department of Transitional Assistance. And, as part of their ongoing care, the caseworkers maintain a watchful eye on the senior’s ability to access sufficient nutritious food.

“We’re pleased to contribute to Project Bread for this important program that provides direct care services to elders in Boston,” said Chris Buchanan, senior manager for public affairs and government relations at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. “Walmart is eager to support vital programs like this that ensure seniors in Boston receive basic necessities at a time when they are struggling to make ends meet.”

About Project Bread
As the state’s leading antihunger organization, Project Bread is dedicated to alleviating, preventing, and ultimately ending hunger in Massachusetts. Through The Walk for Hunger, the oldest continual pledge walk in the country, Project Bread provides millions of dollars each year in privately donated funds to over 400 emergency food programs in 128 communities statewide. Project Bread also advocates systemic solutions that prevent hunger in children and that provide food to families in natural, everyday settings. With the support of the Governor and State Legislature, the organization has invested millions in grants to community organizations that feed children where they live, learn, and play. For more information, visit www.projectbread.org.

About Philanthropy of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associations in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. In 2007, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.