Walmart to the rescue

The president and his first lady have been in a contest: Who can do more to improve the quality of American life?

Barack wrestled with the insurance companies to pass an overly complicated, highly controversial health care act. Michelle, on the other hand, met with the CEO of Walmart and got a commitment from the largest public corporation to make food healthier and more affordable.

The legitimacy of the Affordable Health Care for America Act has been challenged again, while Walmart is restructuring to fulfill its pledge.

By 2015 Walmart’s private-label brand, Great Value, will have 25 percent less sodium and 10 percent less sugar. Prices for healthy foods will be lowered, more stores will be built in underserved areas and more charitable donations will be made to nutrition programs. Most importantly, the company will develop a logo that will be affixed to healthy foods so families will have an easier time buying the most nutritional option.

What’s more, the business practices at Walmart tend to have a ripple effect throughout related businesses. The company has more than 60,000 suppliers, so the changes demanded by Walmart tend to become the industry standard.

Michelle Obama’s approach to improving the well-being of American life may not be as grandiose as legislative action, but it certainly is just as powerful. As congressmen, lobbyists and constituents continue to argue about the language of the law, citizens will be able to pick up their fruits and vegetables at a cheaper price because of Walmart’s pledge.

Walmart’s commitment to health does not absolve the company of its social ills, however.

The company is still opposed to the unionization of its employees, and the Supreme Court is currently considering whether to certify a class action sex discrimination lawsuit against it.

If the Obamas were dedicated to a real improvement in our country’s health, they would take a serious look at American farm subsidies.

The system currently rewards growers of commodity crops that go into processed food.

If those subsidies were spread out across the farmers who grow carrots, apples and broccoli, maybe the first lady wouldn’t have to resort to begging an industry giant to provide cheaper fruits and vegetables to her country.

Unfortunately, we live in a complex world and solutions aren’t easy to come by. While Barack’s efforts in health care were admirable, I’ll cede this round to Michelle for yielding big gains for less trouble.


E-mail: danfleis@indiana.edu