Walmart takes strides to promote healthy living in its communities

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart. All opinions are 100% mine.

Before moving to Texas last summer, I lived in Utah.  Utah ranks #7 in the nation for overall health; Texas ranks #44.  I have to admit that I have never before seen such a large portion of the population who are obese than I have since I moved here. Though no one in our family is obese, we are a poor picture of health.  I always read food labels before buying a new product, we eat well, get our fruits and veggies, but no one in our house exercises like we should.

In a state where obesity is the norm, and where there is a Walmart every couple miles, it is great to learn that Walmart is taking a stand to help improve the lives if its community members.  Walmart recent announced that it is donating more than $9.5 million in grants to national organizations that are helping families to have healthy, nutritional eating habits.

This funding will support nutrition education programs, provide classes focused on learning to cook and shop for healthier foods on a budget and provide live cooking demonstrations in communities nationwide.

As part of the efforts, Walmart has tapped the expertise of Rovenia M. Brock Ph. D., aka Dr. Ro, an award-winning journalist who has appeared on Dr. Oz, The View and more. She will share steps the everyday family can take to eat healthy on a budget.

The San Antonio community could definitely use a little nudge in the healthy living direction.  As part of their mission, Walmart will be donating $4 million dollars to Share Our Strength.  This will provide grocery store tours to 7,500 participants through Shopping Matters which helps low-income families learn how to shop healthy on a budget. 31,000 participants will also be reached through Cooking Matters, a six-week course on how to cook healthier meals on a budget.

I really appreciate that Walmart is taking such a well rounded approach to teaching healthy lifestyles.  The Walmart shopping matters program teaches its community members not only how to shop for healthy foods but it also teaches how to find the lowest priced foods. This would be an invaluable resource for many of San Antonio’s community members.

Has your family done anything recently to make healthier choices?  What has worked for you?  If you haven’t done anything yet, what would you like to do?