MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The closing of the Kroger locations at South Third and Lamar has thousands wondering how they’ll get next week’s groceries.
Kroger says it’s closing the South Third and Lamar locations, because it’s been losing millions of dollars since 2014.
The closures force thousands of people in inner-city neighborhoods to find fresh food elsewhere.
Andrew Gillard is one of the thousands affected.
WREG met Gillard when he was bundled up with a grocery bag in hand. He was starting his long walk home Friday.
“I’d say it’s three and a half mile,” he said. “I have no transportation. I’m a disabled veteran. I’m on a fixed income from the VA.”
Gillard, 67, said he also has health problems, so it makes the walk even longer.
“I have a gunshot wound to my stomach. I have a bad heart. I had a heart attack in the last four years.” Gillard said.
Gillard said the closest grocery store to his house is the Kroger on South Third.
He’s been shopping here since it opened in 1977, but Friday was the last time he’ll step foot in the store.
It’s set to close Saturday.
“It’s a crying shame they are shutting Kroger down,” Gillard said.
Gillard said he’ll now have to take a bus to different Kroger or walk another quarter mile to the Save-A-Lot, where he said the prices and quality don’t compare.
“It’s not the same. It’s not the same,” Gillard said. “Physically, I’m going to make it. I’m going to get to the store. I just hate that Kroger’s is closing.”