CHICAGO () — Unease is mounting across several Chicago neighborhoods as Save A Lot gets ready to shut down stores on Saturday, leaving shoppers worried the closures will deepen food access problems in areas where affordable grocery choices are already scarce.
At the Save A Lot near 63rd Street and Halsted Street in Englewood, many regular customers said they were stunned to learn the store would soon be closing its doors.
“I hate it because I live on 67th and Peoria and I’m always right here,” shopper Alice Thompson said.
As the final days approached, customers said the shelves were already beginning to look bare, a visible sign that the neighborhood grocery store was winding down operations.
“I think it’s pitiful,” shopper Victoria Rowell said.
Kenneth Rowell, her husband, said the planned Save A Lot closure feels like a blow to the community.
“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 launched a partnership in 2023 with retail operator Yellow Banana, a move intended to help preserve grocery stores on Chicago’s South and West sides while addressing long-standing food desert concerns.
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 & Cafe.
In Morgan ParkFriday, many of the shelves were already empty.
“I think it’s pretty sad, you know. They keep taking resources from us, and we don’t really have that much. And just to see the store gone, it leaves no hope for the community,” Morgan Park resident Dejuan Taylor said.
“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.
