The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Georgia received a $100,000 donation from The Walmart Foundation for its food recovery and distribution program, according to a news release.

The grant allows SVdP to expand its existing program at its regional food distribution centers across Georgia.

SVdP collects more than 20,000 pounds of perishable food monthly and uses it at its 38 food pantries for those in need. Through this donation from Walmart, SVdP will increase its ability to serve at-risk households.

The benefits of the program are twofold: it helps to alleviate the critical and chronic problem of poverty and hunger in Georgia and it prevents unnecessary food waste.

Some 16.5 percent of people in Georgia live below the poverty line, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The survey measured from 2007 to 2011.

SVdP will eliminate some of the barriers of time, distance and accessibility for clients to receive nutritious food with the help of the grant..