Walmart, Walmart Foundation commit $25 million to support COVID-19 response

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation will donate $25 million to support organizations on the front lines responding to the global coronavirus outbreak.

In an announcement Monday night (March 17), the Bentonville retail giant said the funds will be used to strengthen the global public health response, bolster food security and support the needs of local communities in the U.S. and internationally.

The commitment is intended to provide $5 million to support global efforts to help countries prevent, detect and manage the coronavirus. Another $10 million will support food banks, school meal programs and organizations that provide access to food for underserved populations. There will be $10 million to support efforts in local communities in the U.S. and internationally.

“In times of need, we see communities come together to do extraordinary things. This pandemic is no different,” Kathleen McLaughlin, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer for Walmart and president of the Walmart Foundation, said in a statement. “We are humbled by the efforts of our store associates, nonprofit partners, and citizens across the globe who are coming together to support those in need. We hope these grants will help to expand critical response efforts as we continue to work together to address the impact of COVID-19.”

Walmart said the first grants are expected to be issued this week. Details regarding individual grants will be made available as they are finalized.

Walmart reported $524 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2020, which ended Jan. 31. The company employs over 2.2 million people worldwide.