April 6 - May 3, 2026
The Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign is an annual nationwide initiative where Walmart, Sam’s Club, and their suppliers partner with the Feeding America network, of which Feeding the Gulf Coast is a proud member, to combat food insecurity. This campaign supports Feeding the Gulf Coast and the neighbors we serve across South Mississippi, South Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
How You Can Take Action Today
- Shop at your local Walmart or Sam's Club. Look for specially marked Fight Hunger. Spark Change. items.
- Shop in the Walmart or Sam's Club App. Choose items from the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. page.
- Donate at Walmart or Sam's Club checkout. Use the "Round Up" feature in person, online, or through the app.
Neighbor Stories
Across the central Gulf Coast, 1 in 6 individuals, including 1 in 4 children, faces food insecurity. They are why this campaign matters.
A Year-Round Partnership
Our food bank’s partnership with Walmart & Sam’s Club works all year long through the Retail Store Donation Program. This program focuses on Food Rescue—the process of identifying wholesome, surplus food that was not sold and redirecting it through Feeding the Gulf Coast to help provide food for neighbors across our service area.
- Selection: Walmart and Sam’s Club associates identify nutritious surplus items (produce, meat, dairy, and bakery).
- Rescue: Rather than sending this food to a landfill, associates prepare it for donation.
- Collection: Food bank truck drivers and agency partners pick up the food and bring it directly to local food distribution sites, such as local food pantries and churches.
- Distribution: Food is distributed through partner agencies and programs to help provide neighbors across our service area with fresh produce, protein, and shelf-stable food.
2025 Impact Data & Environmental Benefits
In 2025, the food bank’s partnership with Walmart & Sam’s Club saved and distributed 6,800,000+ wholesome meals to our neighbors facing hunger.
*Environmental impact calculations were based on the ReFED Insights Engine.
Common Questions (FAQ)
How can I help Feeding the Gulf Coast at Walmart & Sam’s Club?
During the campaign (April 6 – May 3), you can help by purchasing products with the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign label and rounding up your total at the register or through the Walmart app. Each participating item purchased at Walmart sparks a $0.10 donation, and at Sam's Club, a $0.50 donation.
Where does my Fight Hunger. Spark Change. donation go?
100% of the funds raised at your local Walmart or Sam's Club stay within the community where the donation was made, benefiting the specific food bank serving that area. If you shop within the food bank’s 24-county service area across South Mississippi, South Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, it benefits Feeding the Gulf Coast.
What is the difference between Food Surplus & Food Waste?
Food Surplus is safe, edible food—like "ugly" produce or overstocked dairy—that exceeds consumer demand. If left unmanaged, Food Surplus becomes Food Waste and is sent down the drain or to the landfill. Food Rescue prevents this by intercepting that inventory and distributing it to people who need food.
Do food rescue programs actually help the environment?
Yes. According to ReFED, food waste is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions. In 2025, the partnership between Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Feeding the Gulf Coast successfully prevented 6.88 million wholesome meals from going to a landfill, avoiding 14,239 Metric tons in CO2 emissions. By rescuing food, we gather the surplus, distribute it to our neighbors through our agency partners and programs, and prevent those items from becoming food waste.
To learn more about how Walmart Inc. reduces food waste, visit Walmart Inc. FY2025 ESG Report.