Wal-Mart Says “Buy Local”
Wal-Mart isn’t known for supporting local economies. The megacorporation has probably done more to obliterate the downtowns of America than any other business.
But they’ve turned a new leaf, at least in Florida. At least until the good press dies down and it’s no longer convenient. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that Wal-Mart is encouraging shoppers to buy locally grown produce and help Florida’s farmers rebuild after Hurricane Wilma. But, the company cautions with the benefit of its wisdom, the produce might not be as pretty as the tasteless and unripe fruits and vegetables Wal-Mart normally ships from who knows where. Overlook the blemishes and think of the poor farmers, they say as they wring their hands with carefully scripted pathos.
Here’s a better idea: Find out how to buy from those farmers directly, either through farmer’s markets or CSA programs. That way, the farmer gets a bigger chunk of the money you’re spending, and the cash stays in the local economy longer. That’s how to rebuild your community.
