Walmart Foundation grant to be matched by City of Oceanside for total of $50,000
Oceanside CA– Veterans Association of North County (VANC) yesterday received a $25,000 contribution to assist North County veterans. The grant – which was giving to the nonprofit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving program – will provide equipment for the organization’s “Warrior Kitchen” program, which is aimed at providing veterans with skills in the food service industry, as well as serving meals to other veterans in the kitchen’s accompanying dining hall.
“With Walmart’s support, we will be able to continue to assist North County veterans by providing them with valuable job training that can assist a successful transition into the civilian workforce,” said Chuck Atkinson, founder and President of the North County Veterans Association. “We’re grateful to Walmart for its commitment to help veterans live better.”
The grant was presented to VANC at the Oceanside City Council meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2014. Oceanside City Councilmember Jerome Kern commended Walmart for its ongoing support of local veterans.
“Walmart has remained consistently committed to veterans in Oceanside and throughout North County,” said Councilmember Kern. “This grant will not only help provide valuable job training opportunities for our veterans but will also allow those who may need assistance to receive fresh-cooked, healthy meals from the Veterans Association of North County. I’m pleased to say the $25,000 grant from Walmart will also be matched by the City of Oceanside as part of a recently-approved City program to help raise funds for the Veterans Association of North County.”
The City Council approved a funds match of up for $600,000 to the Association on May 28 this year, and the Walmart grant will be matched for a total of $50,000 to the organization.
Oceanside Store Manager Matt Firkus presented the grant on behalf of Walmart and spoke about the company’s commitment to veterans.
“The Veterans Association of North County is an organization we’re proud to support,” said Firkus. “At Walmart, we recognize the great sacrifices made by our country’s veterans, and we have committed $40 million to support veteran employment and transition programs. I am pleased to see how these funds will positively impact the lives of veterans in the North County region.”
Veterans Association of North County serves approximately 80,000 veterans and 30 different veterans’ organization each year. The Warrior Kitchen program is part of the organization’s larger Career Transition Assistance Program, which provides approximately 25 veterans with valuable job and job-seeking skills in each six-week course.
The contribution to Veterans Association of North County was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Program. Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
In Fiscal Year Ending 2014 in California, Walmart, Sam’s Club locations and the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $47.6 million to local organizations.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than 1.3 billion meals to people in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.
About Veterans Association of North County
Veterans Association of North County (VANC), located in Oceanside, California, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization created by a group of dedicated veterans to empower other veterans, members of the military, and their families by providing needed support and resources. It is an umbrella association that represents more than 30 veteran organizations spanning all branches of military service (including reserve personnel) and encompassing all generations, from active duty through retirees. Its mission is to serve as a one-stop resource center for all veterans and military, centralizing the services of diverse agencies to assist them with jobs, education, finances, health and wellness, and family issues.