Walmart Takes One More Step Into The Funeral Industry With Funeral Potatoes

Funeral potatoes? Yep, this is a real thing and most of us have tried this tasty dish but most likely did not call them ‘funeral potatoes’. In my family, we referred to this dish as ‘Potato Casserole’. They are one of my favorite side dishes! And I know many wonderful church ladies who delivery these on a daily basis to many grieving families.

This is what Walmart’s website says about the dish:

The Augason Farms Funeral Potatoes traditional casserole has become a pleasing favorite at funeral luncheons, church gatherings, family dinners and holiday meals. All the essential ingredients to create a hearty, classic dish are right here in one convenient package. Make it your own by garnishing with corn flakes, breadcrumbs, bacon, jalapenos and more. This pouch will make a casserole dish that’s 9″ x 13″.With Augason Farms Funeral Potatoes in your pantry, you’ll get the delicious goodness you love in one easy-to-prepare recipe. These potatoes are so delicious that you’ll be dying for more! Augason Farms recognizes that today’s consumers are more concerned than ever before about what kind of foods they eat, and want to provide their families with food that is safe and the best quality. Family owned and operated since 1972, Augason Farms believes that great taste is a tradition worth preserving. Crafted with a focus on taste and nutrition, their products are manufactured in-house to the highest possible standards. Augason Farms Funeral Potatoes, 13.6 Oz

What are Funeral Potatoes?

Having originated in the West this delightful dish is anything but grim. In various parts of the USA, it’s also known as Potato Casserole, Party Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, and Mormon Potatoes. Commonly served at funerals and social gatherings. So good they’re to die for!

This isn’t Walmart’s first funeral Product

Back in 2009, Walmart began selling caskets online through Walmart.com. This sent funeral directors into a ruckus and start conversations about Walmart planting its flag in the funeral arena. However, little has come of this and in all honesty, it hasn’t really hurt the profession as a whole. Although, in some isolates areas it has been an issue.

Walmart also carries many cremation urns and now funeral potatoes!! What if Walmart is planning to take on other areas of the funeral planning process? What if they launched an online preplanning site? They could sell the casket, urn or plastic vault (no sign of this yet) and now the reception or comfort food.

Ok, that is a stretch and really isn’t going to happen, or could it?