Updated on 21/1/2011
Walmart, the world's largest grocery retailer, has this week launched a comprehensive initiative in the US that aims to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices.
At a special launch event in Washington DC on Thursday 20 January, the group was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama – who heads up the 'Let's Move' campaign – to outline the five key elements of the new programme.
One of the crucial segments of the plan involves making healthier choices more affordable, saving customers approximately US$1bn per year on fresh fruit and vegetables through a variety of sourcing, pricing, transportation and logistics initiatives that will drive 'unnecessary costs' out of the supply chain.
Other key elements of the campaign include reformulating everyday packaged food items by reducing sodium, sugar and trans fats, developing criteria for a front-of-package seal that identifies healthier food options, increasing charitable support for nutrition programmes, and addressing 'food deserts' in the US where underserved communities lack access to fresh foods.
'No family should have to choose between food that is healthier for them and food they can afford,' said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart US. 'With more than 140m customer visits each week, Walmart is uniquely positioned to make a difference by making food healthier and more affordable to everyone.
'We are committed to working with suppliers, government and non-governmental organisations to provide solutions that help Americans eat healthier and live a better life,' he added.
Walmart said that the programme aimed to build on Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move' campaign to make healthy choices more convenience and affordable for families, and was consistent with Walmart's commitment to lead on social issues.
'We applaud First Lady Michelle Obama's leadership and commitment to this important cause,' said Leslie Dach, executive vice-president of corporate affairs at Walmart. 'Few individuals have done more to raise awareness of the importance of healthier habits – especially among children – than she has.
'She was a catalyst that helped make today's announcement a reality and her spirit of collaboration made our commitment to bring better nutrition to kitchen tables across this country even stronger.'
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