| The Wal-Mart Epidemic |
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| Written by Kiki Hubbard | |
| Wednesday, 30 July 2008 | |
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We've heard the arguments for and against Wal-Mart, and maybe even seen signs denouncing a proposed store in our community, since they seem to proliferate like rabbits on fertility drugs. Which is sort of true. Just check out this project that maps the growth of Wal-Mart across the United States. Why post this map on Envirovore? Because Wal-Mart is the largest food retail chain in the nation, making up 20 percent of the marketplace. According to Wikipedia, Wal-Mart is the most powerful company in the capitalist world. Envirovore told you about Wal-Mart's effort to buy local produce this year. While the announcement hardly means that those dots on the map indicate new farmers' markets, it's interesting to think about the relationship between local farmers and the largest company in the world. Will we hear stories that sound similar to how Wal-Mart treats its workers? I mean, if it refuses to raise the wages of its employees, will it refuse to pay a fair price for local produce? Or will the price of local produce be on par with conventional food shipped from halfway around the world in light of historic fuel costs? We clearly have questions. Do you have answers? Comments (1)
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It's true what our moms said...we are what we eat. In fact, it's truer than they thought. What I eat doesn't just affect me anymore, it affects all of us.
Unfortunately, the story of food can sometimes be complicated. But envirovores help each other out...which is why this blog will be bringing you news, tips, and information about food and the environment every step of the way.
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Say what you will about WalMart - but add to your argument that I shop there because I can afford more when I do.
It seems that many of the people who are up in arms about WalMart in a community don't actually SHOP there. They just like to protest things and complain, but I don't see them hiring the front-door greeter, or the marginally educated checker in THEIR trendy boutique.
Yes, WalMart has faults, I'm not saying they don't. But I am saying that in MY COMMUNITY the people who are trying to keep them away aren't doing it to "save others". If that were the case, they'd hire those "others" themselves.
GRRRRR.