Walmart and other retailers are teaming up with First Lady Michelle Obama to bring nutritious foods to the country’s “food deserts.”
Some says small towns like Spiro, Oklahoma also have a small selection when it comes to buying groceries. “The only way I can get fresh fruit is to go to another town and get it,” said Shirley McMillan, of Spiro.
Executives with Walmart, Walgreens, and SuperValue joined the first lady at the White House Wednesday to make the announcement.
Obama describes “food deserts” as rural or low-income areas with little access to healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat products. The White House says about 23.5 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, currently live in “food deserts.”
“It’s inconvenient,” said Daniel Foster, of Spiro, “I’d rather have something closer.”
A map from the United States Department of Agriculture classifies Spiro as a “food desert,” along with parts of Fayetteville, Springdale, and an area north of Rogers.
Combined, the retailers agreed to open or expand 1,500 stores in underserved communities. By 2016, Walmart announced the company will have 500 stores providing access to fresh and healthy food in more than 700 USDA-designated “food deserts.”
“By opening stores where customers need them most, Walmart will help build healthier families and stronger communities. We believe every single person should have access to an abundant selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price,” said Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs at Walmart.
http://www.kfor.com/news/kfsm-miche...lmart-other-retailers-20110720,0,171107.story
I bet the unions are pissing and moaning over that endorsement. How will Obama spin that to his union masters.
Some says small towns like Spiro, Oklahoma also have a small selection when it comes to buying groceries. “The only way I can get fresh fruit is to go to another town and get it,” said Shirley McMillan, of Spiro.
Executives with Walmart, Walgreens, and SuperValue joined the first lady at the White House Wednesday to make the announcement.
Obama describes “food deserts” as rural or low-income areas with little access to healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat products. The White House says about 23.5 million Americans, including 6.5 million children, currently live in “food deserts.”
“It’s inconvenient,” said Daniel Foster, of Spiro, “I’d rather have something closer.”
A map from the United States Department of Agriculture classifies Spiro as a “food desert,” along with parts of Fayetteville, Springdale, and an area north of Rogers.
Combined, the retailers agreed to open or expand 1,500 stores in underserved communities. By 2016, Walmart announced the company will have 500 stores providing access to fresh and healthy food in more than 700 USDA-designated “food deserts.”
“By opening stores where customers need them most, Walmart will help build healthier families and stronger communities. We believe every single person should have access to an abundant selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price,” said Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs at Walmart.
http://www.kfor.com/news/kfsm-miche...lmart-other-retailers-20110720,0,171107.story
I bet the unions are pissing and moaning over that endorsement. How will Obama spin that to his union masters.
