Action Ministries, a Georgia nonprofit, today announced it received a $100,000 contribution to fund the organization’s Smart Lunch, Smart Kid summer program. The grant – which was given through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will support the program that expects to provide nearly 250,000 healthy lunches, enrichment activities and mentoring opportunities to children in neighborhoods where they live.

“Thanks to our many volunteers and partners like the Walmart Foundation who provide substantial funding support, Smart Lunch, Smart Kid has been able to expand each year,” said John R. Moeller, Jr., president and CEO of Action Ministries. “There is a tremendous need for this program because we know a child’s mind does not stop growing during the summer. Their access to healthier meals should not stop either.”  

During public schools’ summer vacation, Smart Lunch, Smart Kid volunteers distribute more than 4,000 lunches each day that are prepared by members of the community to children who receive free or reduced-price lunches during the regular school year. In 2015, the nonprofit plans to serve lunches to children in 17 counties including Barrow, Butts, Carroll, Clarke, DeKalb, Fayette, Floyd, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, McDuffie, Newton, Oconee, Richmond, Rockdale and Towns. 

“Research shows proper nutrition in childhood plays an important role in a young person’s physical and mental growth,” Moeller added. “But, according to hunger experts, one million children in Georgia are classified as ‘food insecure,’ meaning they have limited or uncertain access to adequate food and are at risk of hunger.”

“The Walmart Foundation is excited to support Action Ministries’ Smart Lunch, Smart Kid summer program,” said Glen Wilkins, director of public affairs and government relations at Walmart. “Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping support programs that provide meals and educational opportunities to underserved children to create a positive impact in their communities.”

The contribution to Action Ministries was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Georgia’s State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S. In the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $50.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions throughout the state of Georgia.  

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.