Washington, D.C., July 6, 2016 – Food & Friends is proud to have received a $50,000 contribution in support of its Diabetic and Heart-Healthy Meals and Nutrition Education program, which has been funded by Walmart since 2012. This grant helps Food & Friends reach an especially vulnerable segment of our neighbors—those battling a life-challenging illness while at the same time fighting obesity and/or diabetes.
“Food & Friends depends on the support of the Walmart Foundation to fulfill our promise that every day our clients will not go without a smile and a nutritious meal,” says Craig Shniderman, Executive Director of Food & Friends. “Our clients’ meals are not only nutritious but represent an entire community caring for those living with life-challenging illnesses. Food & Friends is proud to receive the Walmart Foundation’s generosity and we look forward to our continued partnership in making the community a healthier place to live.”
With these funds, Food & Friends will prepare and deliver meals to critically ill clients in need of our diabetic or heart-healthy meal plans and nutrition counseling, expected to total 199,500 meals to 440 clients this year. At Food & Friends, 14% of our clients have diabetes and 23% have a BMI greater than 30.
Both of the aforementioned meal plans, as well as the other nine meal plans that Food & Friends offers, are designed by our registered dietitians and professional chefs. Menus for each meal plan undergo a full nutritional analysis in order to meet daily caloric, protein and other nutrient goals. Additionally, our registered dietitians meet with clients to provide individualized nutrition counseling and follow-up assessments on a schedule based upon the patients’ nutrition risk level.
The contribution to Food & Friends was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s District of Columbia State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. Since 2010, Walmart has provided $756,500 in grants and sponsorships to Food & Friends.
To be considered for support, perspective 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 at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
About Food & Friends
Food & Friends is a Washington, DC, based nonprofit organization that provides home-delivered, specialized meals and life-sustaining nutrition to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free-of-charge to recipients, who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional need. Monday-Saturday, including holidays, staff and volunteers deliver to clients over more than 5,300 square miles including the District of Columbia, 7 counties in Maryland, and 7 counties and 6 independent cities in Virginia. For more information, please visit www.foodandfriends.org.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.