Walmart: Evil or no?

[Sachita]

This is a sensitive topic for me because they are getting ready to close Harris Teeter, a local chain and the only store that carries a lot of organic and specialty foods. If I am not growing I have to drive an hour to purchase organic foods.

Two years ago another store closed. Now Sam's Club pops up (owned by walmart) and slowly but surely everything else begins to close.

For years we have watched Walmart penetrate local markets and extinguish small businesses which BTW hurts the local economy YOU LIVE IN. It affects farming, the growth of organic and local production. Most of the products are produced from foods grown overseas. Not in the US because it would be impossible to offer those prices and availability if it wasn't.

Organic food has come down in price, however years ago if I had the option of buying something organic over non-organic I would spend the extra money not only because its more healthy but to support the market. Many people felt this way and as you can see supply and demand begins to even out. If you keep track of agriculture and the struggles with organic farming right now you'll see large pharmaceutical companies, many that own other large companies including Kraft, etc. are somehow affecting the regulatory processes of organic farming. Ultimately making it more difficult to get certified which means more market for the larger companies that purchase from overseas. It might say organic but do you really know what these overseas farms are doing?

damn getting on a rant... lol- the bottom line is that YES it is evil in every sense of the word. I am guilty for buying Sam's Club but I also grow a lot of my own food and make a point to support local stores and businesses. I wish the hell I didnt have to go to Sam's to buy organic spinach because my local store doesnt have it BUT IF people began support these local businesses the demand would make sure they had it. In my area I might be fighting a losing battle mainly because the consciousness just isn't here and this happens in some areas. The first of the month when everyone gets their government checks you'll see Walmart's lot packed full and carts full of processed foods, junk food and walmart house brands.

Obviously the problem is much more diversified and the cure of many problems won't happen over night.

You can change so many things buy supporting local farms. www.localharvest.org - if money is tight consider buying less. God knows some of us could be more frugal and purchase a little less. Simply by supporting local agricultural you will create such change that it will literally affect so many things in our country. If you must buy from Walmart at least support organic's and buy what you can organic and local- USA. Encourage others to do as well.

It is grassroots efforts that make the most impact. Instead of accepting the situation be even a small part of the change.

lol- sorryI could go on and on but bad sinus here and trying to work.