WAL-MART DONATES $467 MILLION TO CHARITY

Wal-Mart said its charitable giving in the U.S. totaled more than $467 million in cash and in-kind gifts in its most recent fiscal year.

The dollar amount is an $89 million increase over the previous year’s giving. In international markets, Wal-Mart gave $45 million in cash and in-kind gifts.

Wal-Mart said its biggest increase in donations were to food banks to help those suffering in the current recession.

"We've challenged ourselves to look at ways to make long-lasting impacts in communities around the globe by funding programs that address critical needs, like hunger, education and job training," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. "Our business is growing and as a result we're fortunate that our charitable giving is increasing as well."