Impact of Dollar Store Closures on Low-Income Communities

The closure of nearly 1,000 Family Dollar stores, driven by profit-boosting strategies and losses in food benefit sales, has significantly impacted low-income neighborhoods. Residents like Latrina Begley in Nashville now face limited access to affordable groceries. These closures exacerbate existing food accessibility issues in poverty-stricken areas already identified as low-income by the USDA.

The recent closure of nearly 1,000 Family Dollar stores nationwide has left low-income communities grappling with limited access to affordable groceries. Among those affected is Latrina Begley, a Nashville resident and mother of six, who now struggles to find accessible and affordable food options within her neighborhood.

Family Dollar's move, designed to boost profits following a decrease in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, has disproportionately impacted neighborhoods that relied heavily on these stores for essential food items. The closures have widened the accessibility gap, particularly in areas recognized by the USDA as low-income and lacking in affordable grocery options.

Policy experts and community leaders warn that the shutdown of Family Dollar stores will further strain the resources of low-income families, forcing them to turn to more expensive convenience stores or food pantries. With food prices at local convenience shops often higher than those at dollar stores, residents' purchasing power is significantly reduced, intensifying the challenges of food insecurity in these communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)