Wal-Mart seen announcing healthier foods

[demmiblue]

WASHINGTON — Wal-Mart is expected to announce that it will reformulate thousands of products to make them healthier and push its suppliers to do the same.

Two people familiar with the announcement say first lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to join Wal-Mart executives at an event Thursday to begin the effort. The two people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly.

The company plans to reduce sodium and sugars in some items, build stores in poor areas that don't already have grocery stores, reduce prices on produce and develop a logo for healthier items.

Several food companies have made similar efforts, but Wal-Mart's reach is significant.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41170259/ns/business-retail/?ocid=twitter

[Odin2005]

1. Contaminated with E.coli and Melanine, I'm sure.

[katnapped]

2. But think of the bright side!

They're gonna roll prices back on it by a penny!

And aren't you the least bit dismayed that there isn't a Walmart on every street corner? :sarcasm:

[Statistical]

5. Helps you loose weight. Think of it as value added. n/t

[BadgerKid]

7. Don't forget the lead and cadmium! n/t

[robcon]

3. So what? People have to buy them.

At Home Depot they came out with a line of 'healthy alternative' cleaning supplies and promoted them like crazy.

No one bought them. They discontinued the line. That could happen in Walmart, too.

[LynneSin]

9. If the products are affordable then it could make a difference

If a can of regular tomato soup that has added sugars and high in salt is $1 but the healthier version is $2, then most folks will buy the cheaper stuff.

But if you can make the costs comparable it could work.

[Marblehead]

4. Wal mart

is the company store, soon there will be no others....

[WinkyDink]

6. "More healthful."

[Obamanaut]

8. If Flotus is involved, can we start liking WalMart? nt

[LynneSin]

10. I'm not a fan of Wal-Mart but I do think they are trying their best to make things better

A few years back, when Wal-Mart started offering $4 prescriptions it had a major impact on prescription costs. Sure they were generic drugs but many of those drugs are lifesaving ones that can help with cholesterol, high blood pressure or even the common cold. Once Wal-Mart did it then everyone was offering low-cost generic prescription drugs.

If Wal-mart can do the same with healthier foods then so be it. I still won't shop at Wal-mart but it could have an impact for our nation overall.

[leveymg]

11. Free Wal*Mart advertising by M$NBC now reposted here - I've seen several similar posts

in recent months.

Wal*Mart: All that's wonderful and good for you, made in America.

[marmar]

12. .................