Hui Malama Learning Center Receives Walmart Grant

Hui Malama Learning Center students and administrators recently accepted a $25,000 grant from Kahului Walmart store manager Walter Lott. Photo provided by Hui Malama Learning Center.

Hui Malama Learning Center recently received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation’s Hawai‘i State Giving Council to support the cost of a comprehensive health, nutrition and physical fitness program that provides all students with a nutritious breakfast, snack and lunch each day for the 2016 school year.

“Walmart’s generous grant enables Hui Malama to provide middle and high school students with the life skills and knowledge to plan and prepare healthy foods that enhances their academic and work performance, improves their overall health and builds positive social skills,” said Pualani Enos, executive director for Hui Malama Learning Center. “Students also learn first-hand how to grow their own food and the economics and logistics related to food security and resource sustainability for island residents. Everyday practice in the garden and the kitchen helps students to build a solid foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating.”

“At Walmart, we understand that nonprofit organizations are essential to building stronger communities throughout Hawaii, said Walter Lott, store manager for the Kahului Walmart. “We’re proud to give back to the communities we serve.”

The grant was made through the Walmart Foundation’s Hawai‘i State Giving Council Program, which provides grants based on recommendations from the State Giving Program’s Advisory Council. The Walmart Foundation has an Advisory Council in each state made up of Walmart associates representing local communities who help identify local needs within each state, review all eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation. Councils base recommendations on alignment with Foundation focus areas, state or community needs and program eligibility criteria.

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation Hawai‘i State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria.