CHARLOTTE ­– Walmart recently announced that Charlotte residents generated more than $185,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to help fight hunger in 19 counties in North and South Carolina, including Rowan County and the surrounding Metrolina region.

Walmart’s “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign encouraged people across the nation to take action against hunger and help families in need through simple acts of support online and in-store purchases and donations.

Nationwide, the campaign raised more than $17.4 million to support the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks.

The “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign called on the public to take action and help fight hunger from March 28 to April 25 by sharing campaign messages via social media, donating to local Feeding America food banks in-store at the Walmart register, or purchasing select products from some of the nation’s leading food companies: Campbell Soup Company, General Mills, Kellogg Company, the Kraft Heinz Company and PepsiCo.

With one in seven Americans currently struggling with hunger nationally, according to the USDA, hunger is a problem that also has local implications in every community across the United States. In Charlotte and the surrounding Metrolina region, more than 527,000 people face hunger.

“We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who participated in the “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” campaign and helped secure critical meals for those in need in our community,” said Kay Carter, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. “Donating to local food banks is not top of mind for many during the spring and summer months, and we’re thrilled with the campaign results, which will go a long way in helping us provide meals for the children and families who count on our support throughout the year.”

“We take pride in giving back to local communities and empowering residents to support their neighbors in need. This spring, it was great to see how many people across the country took action online and in-store to fight hunger. The results of the campaign are extraordinary and well surpassed our goals,” said Karrie Denniston, director of strategic initiatives, Walmart Foundation.

“With 48 million Americans struggling with hunger today, Walmart is dedicated to helping families access affordable, nutritious and sustainably grown food and we’re proud to continue our work with Feeding America, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to fighting hunger,” Denniston said.