Latest news with #USDA-inspected
Epoch Times
2 days ago
- General
- Epoch Times
The Death of the Small Farm Is the Death of Rural America
Modern farming is destroying small communities as we move more and more toward the 'go big or go home' model—thousands of acres of the same monocrop, managed by one or two people on a tractor spraying chemicals. What used to be 20 or 30 small farms—each with a household and family that supported the local restaurant, gas station, feed store, and the veterinarian who served a few counties—is now replaced by a single sprawling operation with no animals, no neighbors, and no community. Over the past decade, roughly 140,000 U.S. farms have vanished, and it's not just those farms that have collapsed—but the entire ecosystem they supported: diners, auction barns, schools, vets, and feed stores have all felt the blow. The economic destruction radiates outward—every boarded-up business is a ripple from a missing farm. Despite this, small farms are often treated as quaint, inefficient, and economically irrelevant in the modern food system. But the numbers tell a different story. Globally, farms under 2 hectares (about 5 acres) produce around 30 to 34 percent of the world's food, while using only about 24 percent of agricultural land. That's not inefficiency—that's productivity. If you expand that to farms under 5 hectares, they produce more than half of the world's food. These farms grow a diverse range of crops and raise animals in ways that serve local and regional markets—feeding people directly, not just supplying commodity markets or overseas exports. Small farms matter because they produce food where it's eaten, keeping supply chains short and resilient. They're often the ones growing the vegetables at your farmers market, the eggs from down the road, the beef from a rancher you know by name. They support biodiversity, employ more people per acre, and keep profits circulating locally. Dismissing them as outdated isn't just wrong—it's dangerous to our food security. While most of the farms we've lost were small family operations, the fight to save rural America isn't just about acreage—it's about approach. It's not the size of the farm that determines its value to a community, but the farming practices it uses and the relationships it sustains. A larger farm can still operate in a way that regenerates the soil, employs local people, and feeds its neighbors—if it's run with vision and courage. That's exactly what Will Harris has done at White Oak Pastures, his 1,250-acre family farm in Bluffton, Georgia (held by his family since 1866). In the mid-1990s, Harris made a radical break from industrial agriculture. He replaced chemical inputs and confinement feeding with rotational grazing, diversified livestock, and on-site, USDA-inspected processing facilities. White Oaks Pastures is now one of the only farms in the country with separate abattoirs for red meat and poultry. To make this transformation, Harris took an extraordinary risk—borrowing $7.5 million against the family land to build these processing plants in 2008. It was a gamble most would never dare, but it paid off. His farm now operates as a zero-waste, closed-loop agricultural ecosystem, where nothing goes to waste, and grass-fed meats, eggs, organic vegetables, and byproducts like hides are turned into artisanal goods and compost. His regenerative practices have rebuilt topsoil, captured carbon, and sparked a local economic revival. Today, White Oak Pastures employs up to 180 people, making it Clay County's largest private employer. What was once a dying ghost town now has a general store, a restaurant, lodging, and an event center—because one man chose to bet everything on a different way forward. His example proves it's not the scale that matters—it's the soil health, the humane treatment of animals, the jobs created, and the way the farm integrates into the life of the town. The wake-up call is already ringing: boarded-up Main Streets, closed auction barns, veterinarians relocated to cities, feed stores shuttered, schools shrinking. And make no mistake—this is not just an economic issue. It's a matter of national security. If we lose the ability to feed ourselves, we lose the ability to protect ourselves. Food has been a weapon in almost every war in history. Without control over our food supply, we surrender control over our future. When we allow small and mid-size farms to fail, we don't just lose their food production—we lose the skills, the infrastructure, and the intergenerational knowledge that comes with them. We also lose the community glue they provide. Farmers don't just grow food—they buy feed, fix equipment locally, hire the local vet, and send their kids to the local school. Multiply that by dozens of farms in a county, and you see why their disappearance hollows out whole regions. That's why I am thrilled that Will Harris will be joining us at Sovereignty Ranch at the end of September for our Food is Medicine retreat—a gathering dedicated to restoring health, community, and resilience through the way we grow, cook, and share food. We'll be talking about soil, nutrition, farm economics, and the urgent need to rebuild regional food systems—because the fight for our farms is the fight for our future. If you care about your country, your health, and your freedom, start now: support small farmers. Buy from them directly. Demand that your grocery stores and restaurants source from them. And most importantly—eat the small farm diet. This means real food from real farms, grown in a way that nourishes the soil and the people. Every purchase is a vote for the kind of America we want to live in. The survival of rural America—and perhaps the survival of America itself—depends on it.
Business Wire
30-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Treat Yourself to a Three-Minute Save A Lot Shopping Spree
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the United States, is celebrating back to school with a national sweepstakes* in which one lucky winner will receive a three-minute shopping spree at their local Save A Lot store. Now through August 19, customers are encouraged to enter the sweepstakes one of two ways - in the Save A Lot Rewards App or by mail-in entry. One lucky winner will win a chance to sweep the aisles after a winner is randomly selected August 21. 'Who wouldn't want to dash through the aisles and fill their cart without checking a price tag?' said Katie Kobus, Vice President of Marketing at Save A Lot. 'We're thrilled to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to stock up on groceries – on us." Share 'Who wouldn't want to dash through the aisles and fill their cart without checking a price tag?' said Katie Kobus, Vice President of Marketing at Save A Lot. 'We're thrilled to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to stock up on groceries – on us. And while only one customer will take home the grand prize, everyone can count on Save A Lot for everyday low prices on the quality groceries they need.' Save A Lot believes everyone should have access to fresh, high quality food options in their hometown. Save A Lot focuses on offering everyday low prices on great tasting, high quality private label brands as well as national brand products, USDA-inspected meat cut fresh in store, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information about Save A Lot and to sign up for the Save A Lot Rewards program, please visit *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes begins on or about July 30, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. CT and ends on August 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Open only to legal U.S. residents (excluding Rhode Island residents) who are 18 years of age or older. Prize is three minute in-store shopping spree valued up to $3,000. See Official Rules at for complete details. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. About Save A Lot Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 700 stores in 30 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot strives to provide unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit and follow Save A Lot on Facebook ( on X (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit
Business Wire
06-06-2025
- General
- Business Wire
Win Bacon for a Year with Save A Lot
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the United States, invites bacon lovers everywhere to enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card, equivalent to a year's supply of Farmington ® bacon* ─ an exclusive Save A Lot brand known for its quality and flavor. Customers and fans alike are encouraged to enter the sweepstakes, one of two ways ─ in the Save A Lot App or by mail-in entry. One lucky winner will take home the bacon after a winner is randomly selected June 23. 'What better way to start the summer than with this mouth-watering offer of bacon for a year?' said Katie Kobus, Vice President of Marketing at Save A Lot. 'Whether you're frying it up for breakfast or adding it to your favorite recipes, the winner of this sweepstakes will ensure 2025 is the tastiest yet. And for those who don't walk away with the bacon, Save A Lot always has your back with great deals on your favorite grocery items every day.' Save A Lot believes that everyone should have access to fresh, high quality food options in their hometown. Save A Lot focuses on offering everyday low prices on great tasting, high quality private label brands as well as national brand products, USDA-inspected meat cut fresh in store, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information about Save A Lot and the Win Bacon for a Year Sweepstakes, please visit *NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes begins on or about June 6, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. CT and ends on June 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Open only to legal U.S. residents (excluding Rhode Island residents) who are 18 years of age or older. Prize is $500 gift card. See Official Rules at for complete details. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. About Save A Lot Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 720 stores in 30 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot strives to provide unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit and follow Save A Lot on Facebook ( on X (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Save A Lot Releases 2024 Social Impact Report
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 4, 2025-- Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., today announced the release of the A Lot of Good Report 2024, a social impact overview detailing the company's work to drive continued value for stakeholders. The report offers a snapshot of key initiatives, programs and stories that highlight the 48-year-old company's progress in creating a positive impact for Team Members, Retail Partners, customers and communities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Save A Lot releases the A Lot of Good Report 2024. 'From our founding in 1977, Save A Lot has been rooted in doing a lot of good—through empowering independent owners and operators, delivering real value to families, and showing up for our neighbors when it matters most,' said Fred Boehler, Chief Executive Officer of Save A Lot. 'We're proud to share this year's report as a window into our journey—where responsible growth, trust, and a deep respect for people fuel long-term, sustainable success.' Highlights from the report include: 'Our commitment to community, quality, and operational excellence is what sets Save A Lot apart,' said Boehler. 'These values aren't just part of our business model—they're the reason we continue to be a trusted, vital presence in the neighborhoods we serve.' View Save A Lot's full 2024 Social Impact report here. About Save A Lot Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 720 stores in 30 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot provides unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy significant savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit and follow Save A Lot on Facebook ( X (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit View source version on CONTACT: Katie Cothron Public Relations and Community Engagement Manager 314-592-9688 [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA MISSOURI INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MARKETING RETAIL COMMUNICATIONS CONVENIENCE STORE OTHER RETAIL SUPERMARKET FOOD/BEVERAGE SOURCE: Save A Lot Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/04/2025 10:30 AM/DISC: 06/04/2025 10:32 AM
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Save A Lot Donates Over $27,700 of Pet Food for National Pet Month
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a heartfelt effort, Save A Lot, one of the country's largest discount grocery chains, donated more than $27,700 worth of Oliver & Scout pet food to help local shelters and charities care for animals in need. For National Pet Month, participating Save A Lot stores and all seven Distribution Centers partnered with local pet shelters to donate more than 20 tons of Save A Lot's high-quality, private brand pet food, Oliver & Scout, throughout May. Share For National Pet Month, participating stores and each of Save A Lot's seven Distribution Centers partnered with local pet shelters to donate pallets of Save A Lot's high-quality, private brand pet food, Oliver & Scout, throughout May. In total, stores donated more than 20 tons of food for homeless pets. 'We're committed to supporting the communities we live and do business in – which includes helping our furry friends,' said Paul Hoskins, Category Manager of Pet Food at Save A Lot. 'National Pet Month created a great opportunity for our stores to build connections with local shelters and highlight our private label offering. This is a cause that is important to many of us at Save A Lot and we're proud to support the amazing work local shelters are doing to care for animals in need.' Save A Lot's Oliver & Scout pet food can be found at stores across the country. Formulations include adult dog food in 3.5-lb, 20-lb, and 50-lb sizes; small dog food in 3.5-lb and 20-lb sizes; and cat food in 3.5-lb and 16-lb sizes. Like all Save A Lot private brands, Oliver & Scout offers customers national brand quality pet food at a significant discount. About Save A Lot Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 720 stores in 30 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot provides unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy significant savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit and follow Save A Lot on Facebook ( on X (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit
