As I head to the checkout lane in Walmart I see a bunch of snacks and my mouth starts watering.  I begin thinking, wow, it would be nice to have a quick bite right now.  I only have candy and beef jerky to choose from, so what do I do?  I want to eat healthy and I know, according to the USDA, key healthy eating patterns should include vegetables and fruits, but I don’t have time to get out of line to visit the produce department (USDA, 2018).  I guess I’ll grab yet another candy bar with added sugar and saturated fats because that’s my only choice at and it’s convenient.  I know my doctor will be disappointed in my choice as we sit down and talk about my high cholesterol and growing waist line during my next visit.  I would much rather have a delicious crunchy vegetable or sweet and juicy cup of fruit. 
 
Walmart, let’s change this.  Obesity has become a major problem in the United States accounting for $147 billion per year in added medical expense according to the CDC (Division of Nutrition, 2016).  Walmart can change this by helping Americans change their habits.  By simply offering healthy snack options at the checkout, Walmart can be a leader to take on obesity.  For kids and adults alike, it is much more satisfying to bite into a deliciously juicy piece of pineapple or satisfyingly crunchy carrot than the artificially sweetener laden candy.  This would be an easy change.  Walmart already has personal sized dishes and cups of prepackaged fruits and vegetables in the produce department that can easily fit in the coolers at the checkouts.  I also bet Walmart’s average ticket would increase as health conscious Americans are making these better choices. 
 
For most Americans we know we should eat healthier, but that is not always easy to do, so take a step to making that easier, Walmart.  Be a leader and watch other retailers follow suit because as we start making healthier choices, we will begin freeing up additional income from lower medical expenses.  It all begins with small steps in the right direction and having access to fresh fruit and vegetables at your checkout is one of those simple and important steps we need to take. 
 
Thank you. 
 
Phil Peters 
 
References 
 
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity. "Adult Obesity Facts". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 6 September 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html 
 
USDA. 2015, “Healthy Eating US-Style Eating Pattern”. Retrieved 6 September 2018.  https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-3/