Walmart Launches $25 Million Effort to Expand 2011 Summer Services for Kids

Giving campaign aimed at filling the gaps created when schools close for the summer. Funding to more than 350 local nonprofit organizations will help expand nutrition, learning and employment services for elementary, middle and high school students throughout the 2011 summer months.

According to the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), the achievement gap between higher- and lower-income youth can largely be attributed to unequal access to summer learning opportunities and critical needs like healthy meals. Walmart's summer giving campaign is addressing these issues with a focus on the three key areas:

Providing eight million meals to more than 85,000 school-age children in lower-income or inner-city areas; Helping 20,000 kids access summer learning programs that will help keep their minds sharp; Providing summer jobs to more than 5,000 inner-city youth in stressed the company's commitment to children this summer, saying, "Kids should have every opportunity to grow into successful adults and we're doing our part to make sure that's the case this summer. From helping thousands of kids stay active and learn, to supporting summer job programs and providing nutritious meals, we're committed to making a difference."

"To effectively address the challenges children and families in our community face every day, we must work together as One City," said . "That means individuals, organizations, businesses, non-profits, and faith groups must commit to helping our children succeed.  I am pleased that Walmart has partnered with us to support our young people in having a healthy and productive summer."

Fashion designer Tina Knowles , and mother of singers Beyonce and Solange Knowles , is also working with Walmart to inspire others to help U.S. kids have a better summer.

"I am very passionate about supporting our youth. They are the future," said Mrs. Knowles. "It's truly a blessing for me to partner with Walmart on this wonderful project that contributes to nourishing young people's bodies and minds."

Walmart's giving campaign will reach more than 110,000 children—enough children to fill nearly 5,000 classrooms:

Feeding Kids Healthy Meals

, Latin American Youth Center, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City and City Connect Detroit will grant access to job opportunities and skills training to more than 5,000 youth.

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