Columbus, Ohio (February 20, 2024) – Food banks and pantries across Ohio are rejoicing over a $400,000 settlement secured by Attorney General Dave Yost’s office against Family Dollar after the retailer was found charging incorrect prices at its stores.
This follows a similar settlement with Dollar General earlier this year, which resulted in $750,000 being distributed to food pantries. Both settlements stem from discrepancies found between advertised prices and what customers were actually charged at the register.
Details of the Settlement:
- $250,000 allocated to food banks and charities: This portion of the settlement will be distributed to food banks and similar charities chosen by Ohio’s 88 county auditors, providing much-needed resources for food distribution and personal care items.
- Family Dollar acknowledges violations: As part of the agreement, Family Dollar admits to violating the Ohio Consumer Protection Sales Act.
- Mandatory changes for Family Dollar: To ensure accurate pricing moving forward, Family Dollar must implement several measures, including:
- Increasing store staffing to maintain accurate shelf tags.
- Immediately correcting pricing discrepancies and shelf tags.
- Implementing regular price checks by store and district managers.
- Conducting full-store price audits following repeated violations.
- Educating employees and informing customers about these new policies.
Impact on the Community:
Attorney General Yost praised the role of county auditors in ensuring fair pricing and highlighted the positive impact this settlement will have on Ohio communities.
“Our county auditors play a crucial role in protecting consumers,” Yost said. “This settlement allows us to partner with them and channel these funds directly back to those who need them most.”
The settlement provides much-needed financial support to food banks and charities at a time of rising food insecurity and demonstrates the Attorney General’s commitment to protecting Ohio consumers.
