Supervalu’s Save-A-Lot subsidiary cut the ribbon at two new stores, one in Essex, Md., and the other in Opelousas, La.

“Save-A-Lot is committed to building stores in areas that are in need of access to fresh, nutritious food at a great price,” said Gene Kissinger, Save-A-Lot district manager, noting that the stores are ideally positioned to court “budget-conscious, value-seeking shoppers with great food at great prices.”

The new 18,000-square-foot Essex location marks the 21st Save-A-Lot store in Maryland, six of which are located in Baltimore.

Like all Save-A-Lots, the 15,000-square-foot Opelousas store will offer the surrounding community affordable, easy access to food and groceries, and brings 20 new jobs to the area. Many of the store’s associates hail from the local neighborhood.

In addition to the Opelousas store, Save-A-Lot currently operates 19 stores throughout the Pelican State, with several locations in New Orleans.

In tandem with the grand opening festivities, St. Louis-based Save-A-Lot is making a $2,500 gift card donation to Central Food Bank of St. Landry Parish to help with its mission to reduce hunger, as part of the grocer’s commitment to the Opelousas community.

Save-A-Lot, which operates nearly 1,200 stores in 39 states from Maine to California, is also striving for environmental responsibility with efficient operations and productive use of resources, including operating strategically located distribution centers to service the new stores, in Williamsport, Md., and Hammond, La., both of which will help the discount grocery chain reduce fuel and energy use. In addition, Save-A-Lot has introduced strict green practices in its stores, distribution centers and corporate offices, such as recycling paper, plastic, cardboard boxes and aluminum.