Walmart pledges US$25 million to global COVID-19 response efforts

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed US$25 million to support organizations on the front lines responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In a post on its website, the big-box retailer said the funds would be used to bolster food security and to support communities around the world. Specifically, the money will be used to:

• $5 million to support global efforts to help countries prevent, detect and manage the coronavirus;


• $10 million to support food banks, school meal programs and organizations that provide access to food for underserved populations; and


• $10 million to support efforts in local communities in the United States and international markets.

"We hope these grants will help to expand critical response efforts as we continue to work together to address the impact of COVID-19," said Kathleen McLaughlin, executive vice-president and chief sustainability officer for Walmart and president of the Walmart Foundation.