(Memphis) People who live downtown have long complained about the lack of options when it comes to buying groceries.
Now, Easy Way, a longtime source for fresh produce, announced it can no longer afford to keep open its Main Street location.
Since 1932, Memphians have checked out at the Easy Way.
Folks like Christy Butler, “This is the only fresh market we have. The only opportunity for locally grown veggies and fruits within the next 10 blocks.”
Butler lives nearby and said it takes her just a few minutes to get to the store in her wheelchair. But with the store closing on the 29th, she’ll have less access to fresh fruit and vegetables.
“The next local grocery store is on Union. If you don`t drive a car, you are without groceries for the week,” said Butler.
The Easy Way owner told WREG that over the years, their loyal downtown customers moved out of downtown, taking their business with them.
The best option is to pack up inside and send their goods to the Easy Way store on James.
Butler would try to buy vegetables and fruits at the outdoor Memphis Farmers Market, but in just a couple of weeks, that will shut down also when it gets too cold.
“You want to know the food is fresh, brought today not last week from some unknown truck somewhere. You`d like to know where your food comes from,” said Butler.
For now, Butler says she can’t be picky as to where her much-needed produce comes from.
She just needs a way to get to it, ” It will definitely be difficult, because I don`t drive a car.”
