Food deserts are a major growing concern across the United States, leaving many communities without easy access to affordable, fresh food. A food desert is described as “a location that is lacking in fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, in part due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or healthy food providers.” As one of the country’s largest discount grocers, Save A Lot is dedicated to making a significant impact in providing to these underserved communities.
Understanding Food Deserts
Food deserts show up in urban and suburban neighborhoods as well as rural towns without ready access to high-quality fresh, healthy and affordable food. Instead of supermarkets and grocery stores, these areas typically are served only by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer very few healthy options or are simply too far from any grocery or food stores. The lack of nutritious food options can lead to diet-related health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Approximately 23.5 million people in the United States live in low-income areas that are more than one mile from a supermarket.
Save A Lot’s Mission: Quality and Affordability
In many cases, Save A Lot stores may be the only grocery destination in a community, especially in food deserts. This unique positioning allows us to play a critical role in providing access to high-quality, affordable and delicious options where they are needed most.
Our vision is to serve and add value to all communities as an involved neighborhood grocery store. That’s why we remain dedicated to providing premium produce options, fresh meat cut in-store and 50+ private-label brands at unbeatable low prices.
So, how do we live up to this vision? It’s built into our Save A Lot business model. By focusing on approximately 1,800 essential products sold in-store, Save A Lot eliminates the need for slow-moving items, further reducing costs and providing better value to shoppers. With 731 independently licensed stores across the country, Save A Lot ensures that even communities in food deserts have access to the essentials they need.
As a locally owned hometown grocer, Save A Lot is deeply invested in the communities we serve. Our stores are typically owned and operated by local Retail Partners, who are hands-on members of the community. This local ownership allows our stores to customize offerings to better meet the specific needs and preferences of their community, making each store more specialized than traditional formats. Additionally, owners actively participates in local events, supports charities, and organizes in-store fundraisers and product drives. These initiatives help strengthen community ties.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Through our commitment to quality, convenience, and community involvement, we help ensure that everyone has access to the nutritious food they need. By opening a Save A Lot, you can help support local communities while achieving your own business goals, making a real difference where it matters most.
Together, we can bridge the gap and bring fresh food to every corner of the U.S.! Contact Save A Lot to learn more about licensing opportunities!