Local Partnership with Walmart Provides Food for Local Agency

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, like clockwork, a program in Sabine parish is providing food to their food insecure neighbors. It’s a scene where community members gather and wait for Erskine Curry, executive director of Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Agency to return from the nearby Walmart with the collection of a generous donation of food for the local food pantry. 

Erskine’s routine demonstrates a positive partnership between a retail giant and a community organization, one that is making a difference in the lives of many.  His trips to Walmart have become a vital part of the Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Agency’s operations, a routine aimed at alleviating hunger and providing essential support to families across Sabine parish.

What sets this program apart is its emphasis on client choice.  Families visiting the pantry select the items they need, allowing them to get food based on their preferences and dietary needs.

The impact of this donation resonates deeply within the community, especially among the many single parents struggling to make ends meet. For them, the donated food, ranging from bakery items to fresh produce and meats, provides help, particularly during school breaks and weekends when the kids don’t have access to school meals and resources might be stretched thin. The assortment of products, including premium brands, not only meets their needs but also provides an opportunity for families to enjoy items they might not otherwise afford.

As summer approaches, the demand for assistance typically increases, with parents facing the added challenge of providing extra meals for their children. This increase in usage highlights the critical role that Walmart’s Retail Store Donation Program plays in supporting families through challenging times.

Johnny, who visits the pantry at least once a week, has been out of work for several months. He shared that this program allows him to pick the type of food he needs until he can provide for himself again.

Another example of the impact of this initiative is the story of grandparents raising grandchildren. For them, the donated food isn’t just a convenience; it’s a vital support system that eases the financial strain of providing for an extended family. 

So, as Erskine makes his regular trips to Walmart, he doesn’t just collect food; he gathers hope and the collective goodwill of a community coming together to support its own.