RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) – A major announcement impacting one of the country’s largest discount store chains could bring some ripple effects to several rural areas.

Dollar Tree announced Wednesday it would close hundreds of Family Dollar stores across the country.

According to those fighting food insecurity, those stores serve a vital function in many rural parts of North Carolina.

“It’s a lifeline to these communities where they actually have access to fresh fruits and vegetables and food in an affordable manner,” said Will Kornegay, founder & CEO of Ripe for Revival.

Access to produce and fresh protein, especially in communities that may only have a convenience store with packaged, processed food can change health outcomes too.

“Families are forced to buy all of their meals in their groceries from gas stations,” Kornegay said. “They get access to chips and fried food and things that really do not empower or enable them to have a healthier lifestyle.”

According to the North Carolina Journal of Medicine, more than 1.6 million North Carolinians live in food deserts, which often leads to an increased risk of food insecurity.

“In the U.S. one in eight are food insecure and may not know where their next meal will come from,” Kornegay said. “These food deserts in eastern North Carolina are averaging closer to one in six. So, it shows you statistically what the difference is from rural to more urban areas across the country.”

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