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In keeping with its robust Zero Food Waste policy and in order to contribute to improving food security and the quality of life of vulnerable Central American families, Walmart Central America announced its commitment to donate US$300,000 to reinforce the logistics of collecting donations at points of sale.
The donation will be made to food banks in Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. In addition, the company, as a founding partner and principal donor to the region’s food banks, is going beyond regular donations by contributing a significant investment in the purchase of equipment to improve the banks’ logistical capacity, such as the acquisition of six refrigerated trucks, a freezer, and other essential equipment for the banks’ work.
The initiative stems from an effort by Walmart’s entire operation in the region to recover food and staple products that are suitable for consumption, but not for sale, because they present some condition in their packaging or defect in their physical appearance, for example, a can of tuna with a dent. During 2023, Walmart donated 6,873 tons of products from stores, distribution centers and plants to Food Banks in Central America, benefiting 430,842 Central Americans in food vulnerability.
These products are selected, repackaged, and donated so that they can reach vulnerable Central American families. In this way, the company avoids food waste, which also benefits the environment by reducing soil contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.
“With this donation commitment we strengthen our impact in the communities where we operate, while reducing our environmental footprint, which allows us to move forward on our path to become a regenerative company and continue contributing to Central American families so they can live better”, said Claudia de Ibañez, deputy director of Social License of Walmart Central America.
To achieve the goal, the company’s more than 900 stores, plants and distribution centers in Central America will make their contribution. At the same time, Walmart will strengthen its associates through volunteering and training on the proper process for making food donations to the banks.
“With the donation of a refrigerated vehicle and logistical equipment for the Banco de Alimentos in El Salvador, we hope to increase the recovery of food products, especially fruits and vegetables, to help eradicate hunger for 42 thousand salvadorans who are served by the Food Bank”, Sandra Ganuza, Walmart’s Corporate Affairs Coordinator in El Salvador, mentioned.
As of august 2024, Walmart has donated more than US$4,600,000 in El Salvador, equivalent to 4,546,000 pounds of product fit for human consumption, but not for commercialization. These recovered products are channeled through the Banco de Alimentos to combat the hunger of 42,000 salvadorans. Other donations from Walmart in El Salvador have been US$130,000 for the construction of the warehouse, a refrigerated truck, and the construction of two cold rooms.
“Walmart is one of our main allies in carrying out our mission to minimize hunger and improve the quality of life of salvadorans in vulnerable situations. We are grateful for this valuable contribution with which we will benefit the people who need it most”. Irving Melara, president of Asociación Civil Alimentos Solidarios, which manages the Banco de Alimentos in El Salvador, said.
