This Low-Cost Store Wants to Become Your Go-To for Healthy Food | Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

When it comes to supermarkets, Costco is beloved for its inventory of bulk items and membership perks, Walmart is famous for its low prices and rollbacks, and Whole Foods is known for its selection of organic foods (and for being pricey, though you can actually stop calling it "Whole Paycheck"). But there's another chain that's quickly becoming the most popular grocery store for many Americans.

Around 75% of Americans live about five miles from a Dollar General store, so chances are you already shopped at—or at least drove past—one this month. In fact, there are more than 17,000 stores in 46 states across the U.S. The retailer already aims to offer convenience and the "everyday low prices on products" that Americans desire. Now, in addition to being a cheap and quick shopping spot, Dollar General hopes to establish itself as "a health destination."

What does this mean, exactly? Among other things, the chain plans to add more "cough and cold, dental, nutritional, medical, health aids, and feminine hygiene products" to store shelves. In doing so, Dollar General aims to expand access to health care products and services at affordable prices.

Dollar General produce — Courtesy of Dollar General

In a separate announcement on June 30, the chain said it planned to add fresh produce at 10,000 stores, a meaningful number of which are located in food deserts. (Remember: The most consistent characteristic of a food desert is a lack of access to fresh, healthy food.)

"With our extensive store footprint, often in communities others have chosen not to serve, Dollar General is uniquely positioned to help combat hunger by offering convenient access to a variety of nutritious foods at affordable prices," CEO Todd Vasos said at the time.

To help further boost its health evolution, Dollar General has also appointed Albert Wu, MD, as its new chief medical officer. And to get all of the latest grocery store news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!

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