During 2023, Walmart donated almost 6,873 tons of products from stores, distribution centers and plants to the Food Banks in Central America, benefiting 430,842 Central America in food vulnerability.
In an effort to its robust Zero Food Wasting policy and in order to help improve food security and the quality of life of Central American families in vulnerable situations, Walmart Central America announced its commitment to donate US$300,000 to strengthen the logistics of collecting donations at points of sale.
The donation will be made to the Food Banks of Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. In addition, the company, as a founding partner and principal donor of the region’s food banks, goes beyond regular donations, contributing to a prominent investment in the purchase of equipment to improve the logistics capacity of banks, such as the acquisition of 6 refrigerated trucks, a freezer and other essential equipment for the work of banks.
The initiative arises from an effort of Walmart’s entire operation in the region to recover food and basic necessities, which are suitable for consumption, but not for sale, as they present some condition in their packaging or defect in their physical appearance, for example, a can of tuna with a dent.
These products are selected, re-packaged and donated to reach Central American families in vulnerable conditions. In this way, the company avoids food waste, which also represents a benefit for the environment, by reducing soil pollution and greenhouse gases.
To reach the goal, the company’s more than 900 stores, plants and distribution centers in Central America will contribute. At the same time, Walmart will strengthen its partners through volunteering and training on the right process to make food donations to banks.
With the donation of a refrigerated vehicle and logistical equipment for the Food Bank in El Salvador, we hope to increase the recovery of food products, especially fruits and vegetables, to help eradicate the hunger of 42,000 Salvadorans who are cared for by the Food Bank.
Sandra Ganuza, Walmart’s Corporate Affairs Coordinator in El Salvador.
As of August 2024, Walmart has donated more than $4,600,000 in El Salvador, equivalent to 4,546,000 pounds of product suitable for human consumption, but not for marketing. These recovered products are channeled by the Food Bank to combat the hunger of 42,000 Salvadorans. Other donations from Walmart in El Salvador have been $130 thousand for the construction of the cellar, a refrigerated truck and the construction of two cold rooms.
Walmart is one of our main allies to carry out our mission to minimize hunger and improve the quality of life of Salvadorans in vulnerable situations. We appreciate this valuable contribution that we will benefit the people who need it most. Irving Melara, president of the Civil Association Food Solidarity that manages the Food Bank in El Salvador, said.
This article has been translated after first appearing in Diario El Mundo