Since 2019, Fruitdale residents have turned to their local Dollar General for convenient and affordable shopping.

This year, the community came together to demand change. Because the community-loved Dollar General fell short in one key category: fresh produce.

Crystal Luce, senior director of communications for Dollar General, explained why DG's location change is so important to the local community.

“When our team received a community petition for more fresh produce signed by over 200 families, we listened,” Ruth said.

“Dollar General is considered 'America's neighborhood general store,'” the petition stated.. ” For Fruitdale DG, no statement could be truer than this.” In fall 2023, we renovated our stores to offer fresh produce in addition to the DG products our customers already trust. ”

Ruth gave a detailed explanation of the food served at DG's across the country.

“Customers can now purchase approximately 80% of the produce categories carried by most grocery stores at their local DG. Includes a carefully selected assortment of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, apples, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more. “The store will continue to offer the same categories, brands and products customers have come to trust in Dollar General, as well as frozen and refrigerated foods.”

“When we added produce, we also added the DG Wellbeing initiative, which includes hundreds of additional health and wellness products, including: Increasing selection of cough and cold, dental, nutritional, medical, health aids and feminine hygiene products We will meet the needs of more customers. ”

Ruth detailed how the store has supported the needs of the community.

“We believe that each new store brings positive economic benefits, including greater access to affordable products for our customers. New jobs for local residents and career development opportunities for our employees. . Generates additional tax revenue for the city. And local nonprofits, schools, and libraries will be able to apply for literacy and education grants through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.”

“We are proud to serve Fruitdale as a strong business partner and good neighbor, and we hope the relationship between the community and Dollar General will be mutually beneficial.”

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.