Walgreens Commits to Converting or Opening at Least 1,000 Food Oasis Stores Over the Next Five Years

In conjunction with efforts by First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America to fight the childhood obesity epidemic and provide better food options and accessible health care to under-served communities, Walgreens WAG WAG today announced at the White House that it is committing to convert or open at least 1,000 food oasis stores across the country over the next five years. “With more than 45 percent of our stores located in areas that don't have access to fresh food, Walgreens is uniquely positioned to bring more food options to Americans and also provide needed pharmacy, health and wellness services directly in those communities,” said Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson. Wasson appeared at the White House today with Michelle Obama and others to support the goals of Let's Move! and the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity. Research has shown that the 23.5 million Americans – including 6.5 million children – who live in food deserts, or areas without sufficient access to healthy food, face significantly higher risk of suffering from obesity, diabetes and cancer. The task force has recommended a comprehensive approach that mobilizes public and private sector resources to make the healthy choice the easy choice for all Americans.