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> “It advertises hard-to-beat low prices but it offers little in terms of fresh produce and nutritious items—further trapping residents in a cycle of poverty an

> “It advertises hard-to-beat low prices but it offers little in terms of fresh produce and nutritious items—further trapping residents in a cycle of poverty and ill-health.” The elitism here is sickening. Why shouldn’t the author just come out and say “We know what’s best and have to control the stores around poor people or they might buy junk food.” I hope people who think this way never end up in a position to influence actual laws or policies.

chrisco255 8y ago
They do...they're called Democrats. Haha in all seriousness... people who write things like this have no idea what it's like to live poor in general. Or to live in an area where Dollar General is the closest thing for 30 miles. They're not the cause of poverty, they're one of the few stores that will open a business in unserved communities.
orf 8y ago
It's not elitism to talk about the very real link between an abundance of unhealthy foods and an unhealthy lifestyle, and the secondary link between areas of increased poverty and a lack of access to healthy foods. America is freaking fat, man. Like really, really fat. Over 35% of people are obese! I'd say the proof of people knowing best what to eat is in the pudding, so let's stop crying about illuminati control of our lunch options and start looking at how we can encourage healthier eating.
eigenstuff 8y ago
I live in a rural area and I go to "my" Dollar General so much I know all the people who work there. I'm not going to the Dolla G to do grocery shopping. I'm going there to get stuff like glue sticks, tooth paste, paper, tape, etc I need in a pinch. The only groceries I'm buying at the DG are eggs in an emergency and beer. Every once in a while I'll get a frozen pizza if I'm exhausted and don't feel like cooking because the closest fast food is 15 more minutes away. I'm sure it's the same for most people who shop for groceries weekly. This whole argument doesn't make any sense to me and completely misunderstands the role DGs play in rural communities: saving you an hour round trip to Walmart if you just need a fucking bottle of shampoo.

chrisco255 8y ago

They do...they're called Democrats. Haha in all seriousness... people who write things like this have no idea what it's like to live poor in general. Or to live in an area where Dollar General is the closest thing for 30 miles. They're not the cause of poverty, they're one of the few stores that will open a business in unserved communities.

orf 8y ago

It's not elitism to talk about the very real link between an abundance of unhealthy foods and an unhealthy lifestyle, and the secondary link between areas of increased poverty and a lack of access to healthy foods. America is freaking fat, man. Like really, really fat. Over 35% of people are obese! I'd say the proof of people knowing best what to eat is in the pudding, so let's stop crying about illuminati control of our lunch options and start looking at how we can encourage healthier eating.

eigenstuff 8y ago

I live in a rural area and I go to "my" Dollar General so much I know all the people who work there. I'm not going to the Dolla G to do grocery shopping. I'm going there to get stuff like glue sticks, tooth paste, paper, tape, etc I need in a pinch. The only groceries I'm buying at the DG are eggs in an emergency and beer. Every once in a while I'll get a frozen pizza if I'm exhausted and don't feel like cooking because the closest fast food is 15 more minutes away. I'm sure it's the same for most people who shop for groceries weekly. This whole argument doesn't make any sense to me and completely misunderstands the role DGs play in rural communities: saving you an hour round trip to Walmart if you just need a fucking bottle of shampoo.