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W.A.M.Y. Community Action Receives Walmart Foundation Grant for Community Agriculture Program

May 8, 2014. WAMY Community Action, Inc. was recently awarded $25,000 State Giving grant from the Walmart Foundation to support its High Country Community Supported Agriculture program. The High Country CSA launched in 2009 as the area’s first multi-farm CSA offering organic vegetables, meat, fruit and other goods from local producers. After founding the project and supplying years of volunteer labor and management, Valle-Crucis based Maverick Farms has handed the initiative off to WAMY Community Action, a local nonprofit dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency, economic justice and sustainability in the High Country.

Final-WAMY-Logo-Sep-08The CSA model offers community members an opportunity to purchase a share in the farmers’ harvest, receiving weekly shares of locally grown, fresh organic produce. Farmers receive income up front at a time of year when little revenue is coming in, and consumers can rely on fresh, in-season crops on a regular basis. In addition to a weekly box of produce from June through October, members contribute to the local economy by keeping their money local. The High Country CSA is dedicated to helping small, local farmers as well as making healthy food available to everyone. Discounted shares are available to lower income community members through a cost-share program Fresh Food for All, and EBT/SNAP benefits are accepted.

“Thanks to Walmart’s generous support, we will be able to offer more discounted shares to community members this season,” states Melissa Soto, Executive Director of WAMY Community Action.

“We will also expand our nutrition education component by providing more on-site cooking demonstrations, recipes and healthy living tips.”

“The Walmart Foundation is pleased to support WAMY Community Action through their High Country Community Supported Agriculture program,” said Kathryn Wiseman, Manager of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Walmart. “This program is important to us because it allows WAMY to provide local produce to people who might otherwise not have access to fresh food and nutrition education.”

To learn more about the CSA and how you can help ensure a sustainable future for the High Country, visit www.HighCountryCSA.org or contact Elliot at highcountrycsa@gmail.com. HCCSA is still signing up members for the 2014 season and will continue to raise funds to support the Fresh Food for All initiative.

Last year, the North Carolina State Giving Program awarded more than $1.3 million to local organizations such as the Urban League of Central Carolinas, Classroom Central Inc., Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte, among many others. In North Carolina, a team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at http://foundation.walmart.com/apply-for-grants/state-giving.

 In 2012, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. This includes $1 billion in cash and in-kind gifts in the United States and $82.2 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 2.2 million hours, generating $18 million to U.S. nonprofits.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com