The Reopening of Save A Lot: A Beacon of Hope for West Garfield Park
On a sweltering Thursday morning, residents of West Garfield Park gathered outside the newly reopened Save A Lot, eagerly waiting for the doors to open. Their anticipation was palpable, as many had braved the heat for hours, eager to be among the first to step inside the store that had been closed for two years due to a rat infestation. This reopening is not just a return of a grocery store; it signifies a much-needed lifeline for a community that has long struggled with food access.
A Community in Need
West Garfield Park has been classified as a food desert, a term used to describe areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. For the past 18 months, locals have had to travel significant distances—often requiring multiple bus rides—to reach the nearest supermarket. Timothy Hamilton, the first person in line at the Save A Lot, expressed the sentiments of many when he stated, "It’s a big deal because it helps us out. The savings are better, and there ain’t no stores around that you can really go to get food and stock up on."
The reopening of Save A Lot is a crucial step toward alleviating food insecurity in the neighborhood. Brenda Sanders, another shopper, echoed this sentiment, sharing her frustrations about the high prices at nearby gas stations and the inconvenience of traveling to other grocery stores. "I had to catch at least two buses to get there and two buses to get back," she lamented.
A New Beginning
The grand reopening ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting event attended by Save A Lot officials and local leaders. The store, located at 420 S. Pulaski Rd. near Congress, is part of a larger initiative by Ohio-based company Yellow Banana, which purchased six Save A Lot locations on the South and West sides of Chicago. Yellow Banana aims to renovate and reopen these stores, with the West Garfield Park location being the first to welcome back customers.
Joe Canfield, CEO of Yellow Banana, reassured the community about their commitment to the area, stating, "I think we’ve done a good job of acknowledging the shortcomings that have happened in the past. We’re very focused on what happens in the future… We’re here. We’re not going anywhere." This commitment is backed by a substantial investment; Yellow Banana received $13.5 million in city subsidies and invested an additional $2 million in renovations for the West Garfield store.
Ensuring Sustainability
While the reopening is a cause for celebration, questions remain about the long-term sustainability of the store. A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Planning emphasized that Yellow Banana will not receive any subsidies until the store opens and must keep all locations operational for at least ten years to avoid forfeiting the funds. Alderman Jason Ervin of the 28th Ward expressed his determination to ensure that the store remains a vital resource for the community, stating, "It’s our goal to make sure that this store stays open, that the community has access to fresh foods and vegetables."
A Commitment to Community Support
Before the official opening, Save A Lot demonstrated its commitment to the community by hosting a charity shopping spree for Above and Beyond, a local food pantry. The pantry’s executive director, Ken Cozzi, was given three minutes to fill as many carts as possible with groceries, ultimately securing over $1,200 in free food for those in need. Cozzi highlighted the importance of the store’s reopening, noting that many residents have expressed frustration over the lack of local options. "A lot of the corner stores are good but not great. Prices are high, limited selection, and it’s not all that nutritious," he said.
In addition to the shopping spree, Save A Lot provided Cozzi with a $500 gift card to help the pantry continue its mission of addressing food insecurity in the neighborhood.
Looking Ahead
The reopening of Save A Lot in West Garfield Park is just the beginning. The company plans to reopen additional locations in South Shore, South Chicago, West Pullman, and Auburn Gresham neighborhoods this fall, with hopes of having all stores operational by Thanksgiving. As the community celebrates this significant milestone, there is a collective hope that the store will not only remain open but thrive, providing residents with access to affordable and nutritious food for years to come.
In conclusion, the reopening of Save A Lot is more than just a grocery store returning to West Garfield Park; it represents a renewed commitment to addressing food insecurity and revitalizing a community that has long been underserved. As residents fill their carts with groceries once again, they are reminded that access to healthy food is not just a convenience—it’s a fundamental right.
