Despite Wal-Mart's January announcement that it would no longer donate out-of-date or nearly expired foods, a local food bank said though they have never received such donations, they do receive monetary support.
They do not donate. They've never donated
said Marilyn Sloan, manager for Second Harvest Southeastern Ohio Regional Food Center.
Representatives from Second Harvest approached the Athens Wal-Mart but were shut out, she said. Other area companies, like Kroger, General Mills, Pizza Hut and Michelina's Dinners, donate various items.
Wal-Mart said it feared being subject to civil suits if someone became ill after eating donated products. This policy applies to the 1,224 Wal-Marts, the 1,929 Supercenters and the 558 Sam's Club stores, which sell bulk products.
However, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects food-donor groups from civil lawsuits and criminal prosecution unless there is evidence of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The company did not mention the law in its statement.
The liability is not on (Wal-Mart) once they give it to us Sloan said.
We use the rule 'If in doubt
throw it out
' she said, adding the employees of the warehouses are trained to identify damaged food.
I have never seen someone get sick over the food
Sloan said.
Despite the announcement to end donations, Sloan said Second Harvest, which operates 205 food pantries in nine Ohio counties as well as 20 soup kitchens and five homeless shelters, did not receive any products from the retailer before the policy change.
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Tara Radhol said she could not comment on regional issues, but said the corporation has begun a national partnership with America's Second Harvest.
Ross Fraser, a spokesman for America's Second Harvest headquarters, said Wal-Mart and Sam's Club collected donations from customers and associates during the month of March. Though he was unsure of the amount raised, he said Wal-Mart pledged to match individual contributions up to $5 million.
He said corporate donations and funds raised from that specific program are then disbursed to regional centers.
We believe the most effective way to make a meaningful difference is by providing financial resources so these organizations are able to make their own decisions about what is needed
Radhol said. They can get what they need when they need it.
The charity has partnerships with other corporations, but this one is the largest, said Maura Daly, the director of communications for Second Harvest.
This is a landmark in both the scope and the size
Daly said.
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