Wal-Mart is launching a new effort to reduce how far your food has to travel.

Starting Monday, Wal-Mart stores around the state will prominently feature produce grown in Wisconsin. Wal-Mart spokeswoman Lisa Nelson says the company already purchases about one-fifth of its produce from Wisconsin growers during the summer months. They're hoping to increase that figure through partnerships with producers local to the state.

Nelson says the effort will help lower food prices for many consumers. It will also help save energy by reducing the distance food has to travel. Nelson says the food in an average meal travels nearly 1,500 miles before it gets onto out plates. She says buying local produce can dramatically reduce that distance.

Products being bought from Wisconsin growers include potatoes, pumpkins, and cabbage.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 :54)

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