First Lady Michelle Obama joined leaders from major retailers, foundations and small businesses to announce commitments that will provide access to healthy, affordable food to millions of people in underserved communities. The commitments from SUPERVALU, Walgreens, Wal-Mart and regional retailers will include opening or expanding over 1,500 stores to serve communities throughout the country that currently do not have access to fresh produce and other healthy foods.

These stores estimate that they will create tens of thousands of jobs and serve approximately 9.5 million people in these communities throughout the country.

Stores in the Tampa Bay area include Wal-Mart who has committed to opening or expanding 275 to 300 stores and Walgreens, who has committed to offering whole fruits, vegetables and other healthy options in approximately 1,000 stores.

Mrs. Obama said, “The commitments we’re announcing have the potential to be a game-changer for kids and communities all across this country. We can give people all the information and advice in the world about healthy eating and exercise, but if parents can’t buy the food they need because their only options for groceries are the gas station or the local minimart, then all that is just talk.”