Retailers Join First Lady In Fight Against Food Deserts

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Large chains like Walmart, SuperValu, and some regional retailers are making an effort to provide access to nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables to impoverished parts of the country — “food deserts” that lack grocery stores where people can purchase healthy foods.

The initiative is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to eliminate food deserts throughout the country. According to a USA Today article, retailers have agreed to open or expand more than 1,500 stores in underserved communities, which will increase access to healthy food for about 9.5 million people, creating thousands of jobs.

Wal-Mart plans to open 275 to 300 new stores in impoverished areas in the next five years, and has already opened 218 locations in food deserts since 2007. The new store openings is part of the retail giant’s commitment to promote healthier eating. Prices on healthy, premium products like whole wheat pasta will decrease as part of the initiative, too.

Walgreens has agreed to expand its food selections at least 1,000 stores, offering fresh produce and other healthy options.

SuperValu plans to open 250 Save-A-Lot stores in food deserts over the next five years, as well.

A food desert is defined as a Census tract in which 33% or 500 people (whichever is less) live a mile or more away from a grocer in cities, or more than 10 miles away in rural areas.

To read the full USA Today article, click here.