Making a Difference
Walmart Foundation and LISC launch $1.5M Equitable Food Access Grant Program to Address Food Inequity in Under-Resourced Communities
The Walmart Foundation has partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to launch a $1.5 million grant program aimed at expanding access to healthy, affordable food in under-resourced communities.
Last Updated on October 15, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The Walmart Foundation has partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to launch a $1.5 million grant program aimed at expanding access to healthy, affordable food in under-resourced communities. The program, known as the Equitable Food Access grant program, is focused on the Southeast region and will fund eight community-based nonprofits led by people of color. The program supports a range of efforts, including farmer-led urban agriculture, mobile food markets, and the establishment of community food policy councils.
The grant program is a part of larger efforts by the Walmart Foundation and LISC to promote economic opportunity and racial equity. The Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity is committed to addressing disparities in health outcomes and recognizes that access to nutritional foods is closely connected to health. The Equitable Food Access grant program promotes food justice as part of larger strategies to improve community health.
The eight local nonprofits receiving funding range from $102,000 to $111,000 each and include Beauty’s Community Garden in Houston, Kokua Kalihi Valley in Honolulu, and Louisville Association for Community Economics in Louisville. The program aims to empower local residents with food and nutrition education, access to garden-to-table produce, and skills to grow and prepare healthy food at home.
The Equitable Food Access funding for the eight local nonprofits include:
- Beauty’s Community Garden, Houston – Works to close the food inequity gap by empowering local residents with food and nutrition education, access to garden-to-table produce, and skills to grow and prepare healthy food at home.
- Diana Gregory Outreach Services, Phoenix – Aims to enrich lives through healthy eating, with a focus on increasing access to fresh produce, nutrition education, and caring social interactions among seniors and veterans.
- New Town Success Zone, Jacksonville, Fla. – Connects neighborhood children and their families to opportunities for success through health, education, employment, social well-being and community capacity programming.
- Historic District Development Corporation, Atlanta – Collaborates with local farmers, business owners and residents to increase access to fresh, affordable foods through a growing urban agricultural movement.
- Kokua Kalihi Valley, Honolulu – Addresses the social drivers of health among medically underserved individuals, including a cultural food program that operates a café, food hub, food prescription program, and teaching gardens.
- Landmark Training Development Company, Memphis – Creates sustainable agricultural environments in food deserts through urban farming, a year-round farmers market, a client-choice food pantry, gardening programs, and nutrition education.
- Louisville Association for Community Economics, Louisville – Addresses healthy food access through a produce distribution program, a prepared-food program and establishing cooperatively owned enterprises, such as a grocery run by and for local residents.
- RobinHood Group, Union, S.C. – Increases the availability and knowledge of locally and regionally grown produce through community and school gardens, produce boxes, nutrition education and agriculture-based enterprises.
The grant program also addresses the philanthropic gap facing organizations led by people of color. Research from The Bridgespan Group and Echoing Green found that Black-led nonprofits, like those included among the grantees, had unrestricted net assets that were 76 percent less than their counterparts, making it more difficult to operate their organizations and grow their impact.
The Equitable Food Access grant program is part of Walmart Foundation and LISC’s larger efforts focused on economic opportunity and racial equity. LISC is one of the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. The organization works with residents and partners to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity and advance racial equity so that people and places can thrive.
The Equitable Food Access grant program’s focus on community-based nonprofits led by people of color and the recognition of the philanthropic gap facing these organizations is a positive sign towards promoting racial equity and economic development.
Press Release: https://www.lisc.org/our-stories/story/walmart-foundation-teams-lisc-expand-equitable-food-access-and-fuel-community-based-nonprofits/
About the Equitable Food Access grant program
The Equitable Food Access grant program is part of larger efforts at Walmart Foundation and LISC focused on economic opportunity and racial equity. Through the Walmart Foundation, the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity is supporting solutions for healthy food while also driving economic development and building capacity in predominately Black communities that do not have adequate food access. This work also connects to LISC’s $1 billion Project 10X initiative to break down systemic racial barriers to health, wealth and opportunity.
https://stmdailynews.com/diana-gregory-talks-to-us-about-diana-gregorys-outreach
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Stories of Change
The Holiday Spirit Matters But So Does What Happens After
The Holiday Spirit: Holiday generosity is powerful, but community needs don’t end when the decorations come down. Learn practical ways to give back year round—volunteering, donating, sharing skills, and supporting causes you believe in—with help from United Way.
The Holiday Spirit Matters — Why Giving Back Should Last All Year
(Family Features) During the holiday season, many people feel a renewed sense of generosity. It’s a time when communities come alive with food drives, toy collections, volunteer events and donation campaigns – all fueled by the spirit of giving. While this seasonal energy can be powerful, the need it responds to doesn’t fade when the decorations come down. Giving back is not only essential during the holidays; it’s also the foundation of stronger, more resilient communities year round. People in nearly every community face challenges – whether it’s affording holiday presents or meeting basic needs like food, rent and utilities. For many families, current economic strains are forcing them to make tough decisions like sacrificing necessities or depleting savings to create moments of holiday joy.
This is a time to rally support and help neighbors in need. Right now, many community members who didn’t previously need help are seeking support. Acts of generosity large and small help close gaps and strengthen communities. When individuals and businesses give their time, resources and talent, they can help ensure everyone has a fair chance to not only survive but thrive. Communities rely on nonprofit organizations like United Way – one of the oldest and largest organizations committed to tackling local challenges and mobilizing communities to improve lives. With a presence in nearly 99% of communities across the U.S., the organization recognizes the power of giving and relies on seasonal and year-round generosity to deliver food and housing assistance, youth programs, mental health support, disaster recovery and more. This holiday season and beyond, to assist your community consider taking actions such as: Volunteering Offering your time is one way to make a real change in your community while helping build a more resilient future for all. What’s more, research shows the personal benefits of volunteering, such as reduced feelings of isolation, loneliness and risk of depression. Whether it’s a community event, ongoing support or in-person activities, making a difference for others feels good. Donating Sharing your financial resources can play a vital role in helping communities thrive. Your donation can help put food on the table for families in need, support kids who are struggling or provide mental health services to the most vulnerable individuals. Remember, your gift of any size combines with the gifts of others and builds stronger, more resilient communities. Sharing Expertise or Talent Generosity can take many forms. Making a difference isn’t just about time and money; it can also mean sharing skills or knowledge, and even social networks to bolster charitable efforts. Giving back builds a shared sense of responsibility. It reminds people that strong communities don’t happen by accident – they’re created through connection, compassion and collective action. Supporting Causes You Believe In Every community faces their own unique, pressing challenges and almost everyone has a cause that’s close to their hearts. Identify organizations working to advance those causes and make a plan to support them. Find opportunities to support your community this holiday season and make generosity a year-round tradition at unitedway.org/local. Nourishing Our Heroes: Eight Years of Impact at Phoenix VA’s Veggies for VeteransLink: https://stmdailynews.com/nourishing-our-heroes-eight-years-of-impact-at-phoenix-vas-veggies-for-veterans/
Stories of Change: People Making a Difference
Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Blog
Glad and Oscar the Grouch Team Up for a Trashy, Toe-Tapping Campaign
Glad teams up with Oscar the Grouch for a playful revival of the “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.” campaign, featuring a musical number, limited-edition Oscar-inspired trash bags, and a fresh take on making trash day fun for all ages.
Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
A Classic Campaign Gets a Grouchy Remix
Why Oscar? Why Now?
Nostalgia Meets New Audiences
Limited-Edition Oscar Goodies and Where to Find Them
Where to Watch
-
- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
-
- Glad revives its most popular, decades-long, star-studded ad campaign, “Don’t Get Mad. Get Glad.”
Bringing the Campaign Home: Phoenix Community Clean-Up
- “Phoenix, let’s get grouchy about litter and Glad about clean streets! Join our community clean-up and share your photos with #GladToCleanPHX.”
- “Spotted: Oscar the Grouch in Phoenix! Grab your Glad bags, clean up your neighborhood, and tag #OscarLovesTrash for a chance to be featured.”
- “Spring cleaning in Phoenix just got a lot more fun—thanks to Glad and Oscar! Who’s joining our next clean-up day? #GladToCleanPHX”
About the Brands
- Glad Products Company
- Sesame Workshop
- PRNewswire
- Press release via Glad, Dec 2, 2025 (based on IRI data, last 52 weeks ending 10/26/2025)
High Demand Marks “Veggies for Veterans” Event Amid SNAP Delays
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Stories of Change
Delivering What Matters Most This Holiday Season
Delivering What Matters! This holiday season, give gifts that matter. Support UNICEF’s mission to deliver essentials like nutrition, education, and shelter to children worldwide through meaningful charitable giving.
Delivering What Matters Most This Holiday Season
(Family Features) As families prepare for the holidays, presents and packages fill doorsteps seemingly on demand. For millions of children around the world, however, each delivery carries more than convenience – it carries purpose. For example, UNICEF continues its lifesaving work, delivering essentials like nutrition, shelter and warm clothes to children who need it most. From Sudan to Ukraine, Gaza to Malawi and beyond, the organization delivers more than just supplies – it provides a hopeful future for children around the world. When conflict unfolds, when disaster strikes or when the winter cold hits, the organization’s critical aid is never out of reach, even for the world’s hardest-to-reach children. This holiday season, give a gift that matters. With UNICEF Market and Inspired Gifts, you can bring education and lifesaving tools to children around the world. An Art Therapy Kit can give children an outlet needed to heal while a Math Classroom Kit can open doors to brighter futures. Through The K.I.N.D. Fund – now celebrating its 15th anniversary – you can support education in Malawi by providing children with desks and scholarships to help kids go beyond elementary school learning levels.
You can send Essential Winter Kits – filled with clothing – to ensure children stay safe through the cold months. Every gift fuels the mission of pursuing a more equitable world for every child. These partner gift ideas also support the organization’s global work: Your Marriott Bonvoy points can protect and care for children worldwide. From Dec. 2-9, the travel company will match five points for every point members donate to philanthropic partners, up to 25 million total points. Furthermore, members who earn 50 or 75 qualifying nights in a calendar year are eligible to select UNICEF to benefit from their Annual Choice Benefit with a $100 USD donation. Learn more at giving.marriott.com. Give the gift of holiday radiance with The Serum by Clé de Peau Beauté. Whether you are treating yourself or a loved one, this gift is sure to spread some cheer. Since 2019, the brand has proudly donated $14.5 million total to UNICEF to support girls’ education and empowerment around the world. Find out how you can help unlock the power of girls at cledepeaubeaute.com. To help tackle the stigma around poor mental health and provide support for children, young people and caregivers globally, Jo Malone London will donate a minimum of 70% of the recommended retail price from each Charity Home Candle sold to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF with a commitment to raise at least $200,000 from July 1, 2025 by June 30, 2026. For more information, visit jomalone.com. Children of the world are too often at risk, exposed to conflicts, diseases and natural disasters that threaten their safety and well-being. Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has helped protect these children through its partnership with UNICEF. Each year, the brand creates a dedicated Silver Lockit collection in support of UNICEF’s work, and more than $24 million has been donated through this initiative. For 2025, a new design was created in collaboration with House Ambassador and UNICEF Korea Goodwill Ambassador Felix. Engraved with the word “DREAM,” representing every child’s right to grow, live and learn in a nurturing environment with access to education, health care and protection. For each piece purchased, $100-200 will be donated to help deliver life-saving assistance and education to children in urgent need around the world. Learn more at us.louisvuitton.com. Visit unicefusa.org/stories/delivering-vital-supplies-children-who-need-them-most to learn more and deliver what matters most to children this holiday season. Stories of Change: People Making a Difference
Discover inspiring stories of changemakers making a positive impact. Explore videos and articles of people tackling today’s biggest challenges with action and hope. Visit: https://stmdailynews.com/stories-of-change/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
