On World Food Day, Debating Whole Foods vs. Wal-Mart

Impact

This Sunday, the world celebrates World Food Day to "increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-round action to alleviate hunger." We're kicking off our coverage of the weekend's events by looking at nutrition and hunger in America.

 

In a March 2010 article, "The Great Grocery Smackdown," The Atlantic investigated the differences between the quality and freshness of foods sold by Whole Foods and Wal-Mart. Surprisingly, the authors found that contrary to the stereotype, Wal-Mart food was fresh and organic, and much more affordable than Whole Foods. They concluded, "The vast majority of Wal-Marts carry a large range of affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. And Wal-Marts serve many 'food deserts,' in large cities and rural areas."

 

Can Wal-Mart play a positive role in promoting sustainability and bringing healthy food to under-served and underprivileged areas? Do you prefer to shop at Whole Foods or Wal-Mart? Why?

 

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons