Wal-Mart says it will make store-brand food healthier, cut prices for fruits and vegetables to encourage consumption

Wal-Mart has announced plans to drop its prices on fruit and vegetables and offer packaged foods with lower salt, fat and sugar contents. The company's efforts are the result of talks with First Lady Michelle Obama, whose main agenda is to fight childhood obesity by promoting heathy eating.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg of The New York Times reports Wal-Mart plans to lower sodium, trans fats and added sugars in foods that are packaged under the company's brand Great Value. The targeted foods will include rice, soup, canned beans, salad dressings and snack items like potato chips. The company also plans to encourage its major suppliers, including Kraft, to follow suit. The company has further pledged to lower costs in foods that incorporate whole grains.

Though officials acknowledged lowering fruit and vegetable prices will cut into the company's profits, they said they hope the loss will be offset by consumers buying more volume. The changes will be implemented over the next five years. (Read more)