Wal-Mart Foundation gives $81K to local nonprofit

The Wal-Mart Foundation's state giving program presented two grants totaling $81,000 to Crosslines, the food pantry run by Council of Churches of the Ozarks.

Crosslines will utilize the funding to make repairs and refurbish drive-in cooler and freezer units, as well as purchase a new van for food transportation, according to a news release.

“This funding is vital to further assist Crosslines in providing healthy, nutritious food for families in Greene County," Crosslines Director Tom Faulkner said in the release.

The grants from the Wal-Mart Foundation come through the organization's Missouri State Give Program. The state programs give out funding to affect long-lasting impacts on communities nationwide. In 2012, the foundation distributed over $1 billion in cash and in-kind contributions worldwide.

“Through this grant, we are hopeful that residents in the state of Missouri will continue to have resources in the fight against hunger," said Chris Neely, director of public affairs for Wal-Mart, in the release.

In Greene County, Crosslines assists a growing number of people defined as food insecure, those who choose between paying for utilities, gas or food. In 2013, Crosslines experienced a 42 percent increase in people visiting the pantry. This year is expected to echo that figure of 51,500 people, the release said.[[In-content Ad]]