CHICAGO (August 3, 2009) – Save-A-Lot food stores today announced its participation in the 80th Annual Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic. The Bud Billiken parade will kick-off the discount grocer’s efforts to help parents make good food choices for their students – all on a budget and without much time spent shopping - as they prepare to go back to school. The parade takes place Saturday, August 8 along King Drive between 39th and 55th streets at 10 a.m.

Save-A-Lot is making its presence at Bud Billiken more exciting and engaging for this year’s participants. The Save-A-Lot street team will distribute more than 10,000 hand-held fans along the parade route. Each fan will feature a Save-A-Lot in-store savings coupon, and parade participants can use their coupons to purchase healthy food items including fresh produce and meats from their local Save-A-Lot store. Customers have until September 8, 2009 to save $5 off a purchase of $20.

At the picnic, parents who want to learn more about purchasing healthy food options without breaking the bank, should stop by the Save-A-Lot sponsored children’s pavilion located in Washington Park. The children’s pavilion will feature fun prizes and activities, hot dogs and juice and information on healthy eating.

“Save-A-Lot takes so much pride in participating in this landmark event. The Bud Billiken Parade represents a celebration of community, heritage and families,” said Ronald Munson, Chicago Division Manager.

Save-A-Lot will also make it easy for parade and picnic goers to help fight hunger in their local communities. Save-A-Lot and the Greater Chicago Food Depository have joined forces to replenish local food pantries, which often experience fewer donations in summer months.

Using their cell phone or mobile device, parade-goers can text the keyword ‘SAVEALOT1’ to 68247 and Save-A-Lot will make a food donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository on their behalf. Standard text messaging rates apply. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a nonprofit food distribution and training center providing food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in the community. Save-A-Lot will donate food to their network of 600 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters which feed over 500,000 adults and children in Cook County every year.

“Through the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic and our partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Save-A-Lot will continue its commitment to build healthy communities and families,” said Munson.

Created with the vision of giving underprivileged children an opportunity to be in the limelight, the Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic has been a cornerstone of the Chicago community for 80 years. Save-A-Lot Food Stores share in its mission to serve the Chicago community by providing affordable and healthy food to children and families.

About Save-A-Lot Food Stores

Save-A-Lot is one of the nation's leading extreme value, carefully selected assortment grocery chains, operating nearly 1,200 stores in 39 states from Maine to California. Serving more than 5 million shoppers each week, Save-A-Lot offers a savings of up to 40 percent less on groceries when compared to conventional stores. Customers enjoy savings on exclusive Save-A-Lot brands and national brands, plus fresh meat and farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy, along with the most popular grocery and household items. Save-A-Lot helps its customers live richer, fuller lives by saving them money and time through a smart, convenient shopping experience featuring great food, great prices and great people every day. For more information on Save-A-Lot or to locate a store, please visit www.save-a-lot.com.

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For more information contact:
Maureen Shannon
314-264-7946
maureen.e.shannon@save-a-lot.com