Produce Outlets Expand

In an effort to bring fresh food to underserved communities, regional retailers and national chains like Wal-Mart and Walgreens, have agreed to open or expand more than 1,500 stores. Michelle Obama announced the initiative at the White House on July 20, saying, “…[it] means that more parents will have a fresh food retailer right in their community—a place that sells healthy food, at reasonable prices, so they can feed their families the way they want.” While USDA research says there are 6,501 “food deserts,” places with little fresh food available, in the mainland US, this new effort will bring fresh fruits and vegetables to about 9.5 million people.