Bellanoche/Depositphotos
Chicago grocery closures deepen food access fears
Seven Save A Lot stores operated by Yellow Banana on Chicago’s South and West sides closed during the July 25-26 weekend after Save A Lot ended its licensing arrangement with the operator.
The closures left some predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods without nearby full-service grocery options, forcing residents, especially seniors and people without cars, to travel farther for fresh food and essentials.
Depositphotos
How the stores shut down
Save A Lot ended its arrangement with Yellow Banana, and the seven Chicago stores were expected to cease operations effective July 25 if no alternative operator emerged. Local reporting later described the stores as closing during the July 25-26 weekend.
Closing sales drew shoppers as stores cleared inventory. CBS Chicago reported major markdowns at some Chicago locations, including at least 50% off on produce, dairy, baked goods, and meat that week.
Depositphotos
Which neighborhoods lost a grocery store
The seven closed locations included stores at 420 S. Pulaski Road, 832 W. 63rd St., 10700 S. Halsted St., 2858 E. 83rd St., 7240 S. Stony Island Ave., 7908 S. Halsted St., and 4439 W. 63rd St., spanning Chicago’s South and West sides…