Retailer donating $2 billion for food banks

San Antonio Food Bank will be among the hunger-relief agencies across the nation sharing a five-year, $2 billion donation from retailing giant Wal-Mart, a spokesman for the local group said Wednesday.

Director of development Zuani Villarreal said Feeding America, the national food bank network, notified all food banks Tuesday about Wal-Mart's commitment.

Villarreal said Texas could receive the nation's largest share of the donated foods, funds and other promised assistance.

"Hunger is a communitywide issue and we need to bring all stakeholders to the table. Wal-Mart is stepping up in a big way," Villarreal said, "not just here in San Antonio, but nationally. Hopefully, it's going to make a big difference."

A November 2009 U.S. Department of Agriculture report said hunger rates in the United States are the highest since 1995, with nearly 15 percent of households lacking access to an adequate supply of nutritious food.

Wal-Mart said its "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative has several components:

Food donations from Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs valued at $1.75 billion.

Grants totaling $250 million to support hunger-relief groups.

Mobilization of Walmart store employees and customers to help food banks become more efficient.

Collaborations with government, food manufacturers and others to reach more families in need.

Wal-Mart said the bulk of the donations will consist of more than 1.1 billion pounds of food that is unsold or close to expiration dates. Half of the food will be fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat - items that food banks say are in demand.

Wal-Mart estimated the food would provide 1 billion meals.

Villarreal said food bank drivers already pick up about 4,000 pounds of food every day from local Walmart and Sam's stores.

"We're helping more people than ever before," Villarreal said. "Anytime an organization steps up to help us meet that increased demand, it's really a blessing for us."