The Deadly Dollar
The Deadly Dollar Dollar-store chains like Dollar General and Dollar Tree are rapidly expanding by targeting the poor, particularly in predominantly black neighborhoods and rural areas, while planning for a permanent American underclass, according to a new report from the community development nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). Dollar stores do not sell any fresh vegetables, fruits or meat (Dollar General is testing produce in fewer than 1 percent of its stores). Food choices in these stores is limited to highly processed, chemical packed, canned and boxed foods such as sausages, cereals, microwave meals, and snacks. The Dollar General website “fresh food” section lists Banquet mega bowls fried chicken, frozen pizzas, Lunchables, Hot Pockets, and blocks of cream cheese to name a few. Despite the fact that they are an unhealthy way to feed a family, they are quickly becoming one of the primary ways lower-income Americans eat. With t...