On July 25th, 2025, all Save-A-Lots in the city of Chicago closed and in a city already affected by food deserts, this only worsens an already extreme problem.

The city hopes to be able to find a new operator to reoccupy the closed stores but it's time for the city to follow some of the community-led initiatives and cut out ineffective middlemen and directly support community-driven, sustainable grocery options.

The mayor's office has already spoken about exploring the idea of city run grocery stores and New York has already progressed with their plans to do the very same. Even after a study found that Chicago was able to feasibly support the plan in 2024, the city pivoted it's plan to instead open public markets but as of August 3rd, there's been no news on when a public market will open, where it would be located, how it would be funded or how many markets the city plans to open. 

With 7 now empty grocery stores there's no better time than now to, at the very least, establish a pilot program in one of the empty stores. 

We must urge our city leaders to take action now. Call on the Mayor, our Alderpersons and our community leaders to support this initiative! By establishing city-run grocery stores or public markets, we can ensure consistent access to fresh food in all neighborhoods. Sign this petition to demand immediate changes to protect and nourish our communities!