As a result, Springfield city leaders met with Kroger executives to discuss the grocery chain’s decision and reached an agreement.
PHOTOS: Community forum to discuss Kroger leaving
Here are five things we know:
1. Kroger will donate the building and equipment to the city
The building, land and non-proprietary equipment will be donated with no restrictions on future use. The city is moving forward in talks with potential developers and community organizations to discuss the property, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck said.
2. A shuttle service will help South Springfield residents reach grocery stores with fresh food options
Kroger will contribute $31,500 to support a shuttle service from the South Springfield area to other area grocery stores.
3. Second Harvest Food Bank will deploy mobile pantries to the South Springfield area
Eight mobile pantries will be disbursed throughout the South Springfield area the day after Kroger closes. Kroger will contribute $19,500 to the food bank.
4. The Springfield Foundation has launched and donated to a community fund
The Community Food Crisis Action Fund will go towards helping local residents in the upcoming weeks or years following the store closing. The exact use will be determined at a later date, but could include transportation and infrastructure solutions. The foundation donated $25,000.
5. The closing will affect about 22,000 people
With Kroger closing, the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD) considers neighborhoods south of downtown to be food deserts. The South Springfield area has the fewest stores with fresh produce, processed produce or the ability to accept food assistance programs, according to the CCCHD.
RELATED: Foodbank to deploy more mobile pantries after Kroger closes Springfield store
Residents are invited to sign up for committees that will focus on transportation and food insecurity to figure out the next steps.
“This is a major hit for the south side of Springfield,” Mayor Warren Copeland said. “That was a good place to shop. We will miss it.”
RELATED: Springfield city community leaders, share details of Kroger deal with residents
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