LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "Increasingly, we see opportunities to use our scale and reach to solve challenges in our communities," Wal-Mart's vice chairman, Eduardo Castro-Wright says. "This is one of those times."

There are a growing number of American households where families go to bed each night hungry. In response to this, Wal-mart will be giving gifts of fresh produce, meat, dairy and other foods to make a billion meals to qualifying families.
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 17 million households or nearly 15% of all U.S. families, lacked access to an adequate supply of nutritious food in 2008. It was the highest reported level since 1995.

According to Vicki Escarra, president of Feeding America, which operates a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, hunger is no longer a problem that impacts only low-income families, with a growing number of middle-class households now utilizing food banks.

"No one should go hungry and we thank Wal-Mart for supporting our mission for a hunger-free America," Escarra says.

Wal-Mart employees will also be made available to food banks. The company has also pledged to work with government agencies, food manufacturers and other companies that are working to address growing hunger rates.

In addition, Wal-Mart will also donate $10 million to help provide children with healthy meals during the school year and summer months.

Of the food Wal-Mart has donated so far this year, about 28% was fresh produce and roughly 25% was meat, fish or dairy items.