Walmart Supports Northwest Arkansas Community Following Severe Storms

Rhea-AI Summary

Walmart, in partnership with the Walmart Foundation and Sam's Club, is committing up to $2 million for immediate relief efforts in Northwest Arkansas following severe storms and tornadoes. This includes an initial $1 million for food, water, and essential supplies. Walmart's efforts involve donations to the Red Cross and local coordination centers, providing free meals, WiFi hotspots, and other services. Additionally, Walmart has launched an associate match campaign to double employee donations up to $1 million, supporting recovery and volunteer efforts through their Spark Good programs.

Positive

• Commitment of up to $2 million for immediate relief.
• Initial $1 million allocated for food, water, and essential supplies.
• Donations of food, water, and essential supplies to local organizations like the Red Cross.
• Provision of free meals, WiFi hotspots, and mobile services to the affected community.
• Associate match campaign to double employee donations up to $1 million.
• Active involvement of Walmart associates in volunteer efforts.

Negative

• No direct indication of long-term financial impact on Walmart's overall operations.
• Potentially high costs associated with the relief efforts without immediate financial returns.

Walmart, Sam’s Club and Walmart Foundation are committing up to $2 million to support immediate response

BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walmart Inc., in partnership with the Walmart Foundation, is taking steps to aid its hometown following severe storms and tornadoes that left many across Northwest Arkansas with damage to their homes and without electricity. Together, they are making a commitment of up to $2 million to support immediate relief in the early days following the storm.

“In these early days, we want to support the immediate needs of the community,” said Dan Bartlett, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Walmart Inc. “We will continue to be here for those who have been impacted, including our associates and neighbors for the long term.”

The commitment includes an initial $1 million from Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation for donations of food, water, products and grants to organizations providing relief. The company has moved quickly to donate truckloads of food, water and essential supplies to organizations providing relief, including the local Red Cross and Rogers High School coordination center. Teams continue to coordinate with local nonprofits on immediate needs for food, water, clothing and household items.

Walmart is also working with nonprofits and suppliers to offer additional resources, such as free meals, WiFi hotspot and charging stations, mobile laundry and shower services to the community. Walmart and Tyson have already provided more than 3,000 hot meals and have continued cooking for the community today.

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With so many Northwest Arkansans impacted, Walmart associates have been looking for ways to give back to the community they love and call home. To maximize associate contributions, Walmart’s commitment also includes an associate match campaign, empowering Walmart and Sam’s Club associates by matching their donations up to $1 million to organizations supporting recovery and/or impacted by the storms and providing volunteer opportunities in the region through their Spark Good associate giving and volunteerism programs.

For more information about the services available today and tomorrow, see below.

Meals

Operation BBQ Relief serving meals
WHEN: Wednesday, May 29, 12 pm CT & 4 pm CT, until supplies last
WHERE: Rogers Police Station, 1901 South Dixieland Road, Rogers, AR 72758

Walmart and Tyson serving meals
WHEN: Wednesday, May 29, 11 am - 5 pm CT
WHERE: Walmart Neighborhood Market #3654, 808 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR 72756

WiFi & Charging

Walmart.org WiFi hotspot and charging station available for people to connect to internet and charge devices

WHEN: Starting Monday, May 27 until further notice

WHERE:

• Walmart Neighborhood Market #3654, 808 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR 72756
• Orchards Park, Southeast corner of intersection of NE J St and John DeShields Blvd

About Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2024 revenue of $648 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/walmart.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528617311/en/

Joe Pennington

joe.pennington@walmart.com

Source: Walmart Inc.

FAQ

What is Walmart's commitment to Northwest Arkansas following the storms?

Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation are committing up to $2 million for immediate relief efforts, including an initial $1 million for food, water, and essential supplies.

How is Walmart providing support to the community after the storms?

Walmart is donating truckloads of food, water, and essential supplies, providing free meals, WiFi hotspots, and mobile services. They have also launched an associate match campaign to encourage employee donations.

What specific actions has Walmart taken to aid Northwest Arkansas?

Walmart has donated food, water, and supplies to local organizations, provided free meals, WiFi hotspots, mobile laundry and shower services, and launched a matching donation campaign for employees.

How much has Walmart initially allocated for immediate relief efforts in Northwest Arkansas?

Walmart has allocated an initial $1 million for immediate relief efforts.

Will Walmart continue to support the community in the long term following the storms?

Walmart has expressed a commitment to continue supporting the community, including associates and neighbors, for the long term.