A. M. 
As part of Sustainability Week organized by FUNDEMAS, Walmart unveiled its sustainable store at the Despensa de Don Juan Escalón Norte, reaffirming its commitment to becoming a regenerative company and actively contributing to the well-being of the planet and salvadoran communities.
During the event, representatives from FUNDEMAS and other companies learned firsthand about the initiatives Walmart is promoting in El Salvador to foster sustainability, local economic development, and social inclusion.
Claudia de Ibáñez, director of Social License for Central America, emphasized: “We strive to ensure that all our processes contribute to the environment and, therefore, to the development of our surrounding communities”.
During the event, several strategic programs focused on sustainability and community development were presented:
Tierra Fértil: Supports small local farmers by promoting responsible practices and growth opportunities. Celio Guillén, a producer from Las Pilas, Chalatenango, shared his experience with crop diversification thanks to the Shared Value program, which allowed him to invest in a 1,000 m² onion drying greenhouse, ensuring year-round supply.
Una Mano para Crecer: Strengthens salvadoran SMEs through training and technical support in key areas such as finance, logistics, marketing, and sales. Hermel, a 100% national company, was able to diversify its food product portfolio, including flavored powdered gelatins, flan, Chantilly cream, and chicken, beef, and shrimp consommés, among others, thanks to Walmart’s support.
To date, more than 135 SMEs and farmers have benefited, generating more than 2,300 direct jobs.
Talent with disabilities: Walmart promotes a culture of “Yo Pertenezco” at the workplace as part of its global strategy. Guadalupe Iglesias, who has a visual impairment, has been working as a cashier for seven months, demonstrating that her inclusion creates real opportunities.
Cero Residuos Alimenticios: With a focus on reducing food waste, the company has donated more than 4.7 million pounds of food to the Food Bank of El Salvador, benefiting more than 45,000 people in nine departments. Additionally, it donated US$270,000 in refrigerated trucks, cold rooms, and warehouses to maintain the cold chain and ensure the quality of donated products.
This year, three volunteer days were held with the participation of 75 associates, reaffirming their commitment to the most vulnerable communities.
Recycling Program: By the end of 2024, 6,300 tons of recyclable materials were recovered, thus avoiding the consumption of 48,000 barrels of oil and the felling of more than 90,000 trees. The #SinBolsasPorFavor campaign has removed 58 million plastic bags from circulation, while the 11 recycling stations installed in Walmart and Despensa de Don Juan stores have collected more than 237 tons of materials, thanks to the active participation of more than 133,000 customers.
Walmart is distinguished by its commitment to the well-being of salvadoran families, generating a positive impact through initiatives that promote growth toward a regenerative and sustainable company.
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