ALBANY – Walmart, Wegmans, The Coca-Cola Company and FreshDirect are partnering with New York State to help deliver holiday meals to more than 32,000 New Yorkers this week.
The joint venture was announced Monday afternoon by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“New Yorkers have a long and proud history of helping neighbors in need, and Thanksgiving provides a special opportunity to give back and reflect on what we are thankful for,” Cuomo said. “I am proud to partner with these organizations to provide thousands of families throughout the state with a warm meal. I encourage all New Yorkers to find ways to give back this week and throughout the holiday season.”
Food donations from Walmart and Wegmans include turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, vegetables, cranberry sauce and potatoes. Additionally, The Coca-Cola Company donated 3,000 two-liter or “family-sized” bottles of assorted beverages to be distributed with the meals. FreshDirect has provided 3,500 boxes to ensure the meals are properly packaged and delivered.
Last year alone, Walmart donated more than $25 million across the state of New York in cash and in-kind donations in the fight against hunger. This figure includes more than 12 million pounds of food, equivalent to more than 10 million meals.
Jason Klipa, Director of Public Affairs for Walmart in New York said one in eight Americans struggle with hunger according to the USDA.
“As the nation’s largest grocer, we’re strongly committed to being a part of the solution in the fight against hunger in New York and across the nation. We’re grateful for the opportunity to once again be involved in events like today as part of our goal to help provide meals to those that don’t have enough to eat,” Klipa said.
“Supporting hunger relief efforts throughout the year is a priority at Wegmans. We are happy to partner with Governor Cuomo at this special time of year to be sure that families in our community can gather around the table for a warm holiday meal,” Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Chairman Danny Wegman said.
Paul Mulligan, Co-Owner, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages LLC, said, “Coca-Cola has a rich history of giving back and taking care of the communities where we live and work. We are New Yorkers too – and are continually grateful for Governor Cuomo’s leadership to help families throughout the state this holiday season.”