CHICAGO (WLS) — In Chicago, a wave of frustration and worry is sweeping through communities as Save A Lot prepares to shut down several stores by Saturday. Residents fear this decision will exacerbate the already troubling issue of food scarcity in neighborhoods with limited grocery choices.
The sudden announcement left many patrons of the Save A Lot on 63rd and Halsted Streets in Englewood stunned and dismayed.
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“It’s terrible,” remarked shopper Alice Thompson. “I live on 67th and Peoria, so this is where I come all the time.”
With the store’s closure looming, customers are noticing shelves becoming bare, a stark sign of the impending shutdown.
“It’s so disappointing,” said shopper Victoria Rowell.
Her husband, Kenneth Rowell, criticized the decision to close the store.
“I think it’s not fair to the neighborhood. they could do better they should’ve given some type of money or something to help him to stay,” he said.
Save A Lot began a partnership with retail company Yellow Banana in 2023 in an effort to keep grocery stores open on the city’s South and West sides and combat food deserts.
A company spokesperson cited financial struggles and cuts to SNAP benefits as reasons for the closures. In a statement, the company said, “We are committed to the wellbeing of the communities we serve. We will continue to engage with City and Community leaders to explore ways to provide access to quality food and services for residents, and we are actively supporting impacted Yellow Banana team members throughout the transition.”
All seven stores slated for closure are located in South Side and West Side communities.
For many residents, the closures raise concerns about where they will shop for groceries. Tammy Hargrove, who requires assistance walking and does not have a car, said she expects grocery trips to become more difficult.
“Looks like I’m going to have to go far. And try to go down there on 47th or go down to find her foods or Food 4 Less on 70th,” Hargrove said.
Some community members are exploring potential solutions. Ena Jones, an aspiring grocer who said she owns a farm and has relationships with vendors, said she would like to take over the Englewood store and continue serving neighborhood residents with fresh food options.
“We would love to give it a shot and make it successful. I grew up in Englewood. This would be the perfect backdrop for our legacy and what we are attempting to bring,” said Jones of Roots and Vines Produce
"I think it's horrible. Where are we gonna shop at? You got people that don't drive and what not. This is convenient for us," Morgan Park resident Nadine said.
Shoppers said they are still hoping the stores could remain open, but residents and community advocates acknowledge that, despite last-minute efforts, the closures appear likely to move forward.
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