Posts tagged ‘Farm’

August 3 is National Watermelon Day

National Watermelon Day, Walmart

There are few other tastes just right for the sweltering summer heat than the fresh bite of a watermelon slice. Made up of 92 percent water, watermelons are not only ideal for a hot day, but their multitude of health benefits make them an important part of a healthy diet. Through our partnership with Tuskegee University, local, small farmers are expected to supply our stores in the Southern region with 250,000 watermelons this year. With programs like this one, we’re helping our customers have access to a wider variety of fresher, locally grown produce and collaborating with farmers to sell more of their products and benefit their businesses.

Celebrate National Watermelon Day by following these easy steps to choosing the perfect watermelon.

August 3, 2012 1 comment

Yielding results for local farmers

Our commitment to local farms is deeply rooted

Here’s some food for thought: We have pledged to sell $1 billion in food sourced from one million small- and medium-sized farmers worldwide. Not only will this allow us to bring locally sourced and fresher produce to our stores in the communities close to where it is grown, but it will also help us improve farmers’ incomes by 10 to 15 percent. As of today, locally grown fruits and vegetables represent more than 10 percent of all produce sold in our U.S. stores.

Tell us your thoughts on what else can be done to help these farmers around the world.

July 17, 2012 2 comments

From field to fork

Barn, From field to fork, Walmart

Few things are as idyllic as a scenic drive through farm country – past amber wheat fields, old barns, windmills and green pastures with grazing livestock. It’s an image many perceive as the typical American farm. In reality, agriculture has changed.  Continue reading

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July 16, 2012 Leave a comment

July is National Blueberry Month

National blueberry month

Summer is the perfect time to find great produce, particularly blueberries. Not only are they a popular local crop – they’re grown in 38 states – but they’re also widely regarded for their health benefits. As the world’s largest grocer, Walmart has an opportunity to help ensure that blueberries – and other nutritious foods – are around for future generations.

July 12, 2012 Leave a comment

Farmhouse upgrades help improve lives in California

H.I.S. House Dedication

H.I.S. House, a temporary homeless shelter in Placentia, Calif., recently received several upgrades that will lower the facility’s energy costs.

How do you ensure a century-old California farmhouse-turned-temporary homeless shelter continues to rebuild lives? You do some actual rebuilding on the site.  Continue reading

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July 10, 2012 1 comment

Green Wheat

Wheat fields, Walmart

I was out there, hands in the dirt, in a Kansas wheat field.

I wanted to see first-hand how we could work with farmers to cut back on chemicals and fertilizers that can harm the environment. I also wanted to connect with our suppliers and their farmers to learn how we could partner to cut back on carbon emissions through practices that help farmers use just the right amount of fertilizer and maximize yields.  Continue reading

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June 26, 2012 Leave a comment

Feeding the nine billion

Earth

How will we protect our land and water resources, and simultaneously, feed the world? By 2050, we expect the world’s population to increase by nearly two billion people, to nine billion.

How do we ensure that our planet is able to feed the nine billion, especially when hunger is already so prevalent?  Continue reading

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June 21, 2012 1 comment

Father and son grow the future

Meet Al Hooks and his son, Demetrius. Their Alabama farm has been in the family for more than 100 years, and Al will be able to pass it on to his son one day. Al and Demetrius grow and supply kale, mustard and strawberries to Walmart stores in their area. Last year, Walmart increased the amount of locally grown produce it sells in the U.S. by 97 percent, and partnerships helped make that happen. Watch how Tuskegee University played a crucial role.

May 17, 2012 Leave a comment

New Orleans has growing power, too

Growing Power Our School at Blair Grocery

On Tuesday, The Green Room highlighted Growing Power, an inspirational national nonprofit that is training others in sustainable farming in both urban and rural areas.

Today, we highlight one of its training centers: Our School at Blair Grocery, with an excerpt from the school’s outstanding blog.  Continue reading

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March 15, 2012 1 comment

Growing Power

Growing Power Workshop April 2011

When you are serious about sustainability, farming becomes a primary focus. We are in countries like China, training farmers to use fewer chemicals, and in Costa Rica, where our agronomists work with – and we buy directly from – small- and mid-size farmers.  Continue reading

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March 13, 2012 Leave a comment

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