"The combined company, formed after an acquisition in 2015, has rapidly expanded its footprint and—along with the other major dollar chain—accounted for a large share of new outlets in USDA-designated food deserts. The stores are common in urban food deserts and emphasize low-priced, small-quantity packaged goods and household items that provide real value for everyday essentials, even though per-unit prices can be higher than at full-service grocers. Their ubiquity in underserved neighborhoods raises concerns that they fill short-term needs but do little to improve food quality, food sovereignty, or long-term access to fresh produce." - Claire Kelloway