Grocery store's abrupt 100% closure results in 'overnight' food desert after worker confirms beloved

RESIDENTS have been left in a “food desert” following the closure of a store in an impoverished area. 

The closure of a grocery store in Bloomington, Indiana means that locals could have to travel further to buy food.

An Our Way C-Store on 11th Street closed on October 17 and a walk to the grocery store could now mean a minimum of two bus rides.

The store served many locals including tenants of the Crestmont housing project and the nearby Union housing complex where the city’s highest density of low-income housing is found.

An already vulnerable area has been turned into a so-called “food desert” by the closure, as there are no other grocery stores nearby, according to The Bloomingtonian.

A “food desert” is known as an area where few nutritious and affordable food options can be found by residents - and they have become a more common issue across the US.

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A former employee said that the closure was due to tough economic conditions and a supposed scandal.

The ex-employee, who chose to remain anonymous, said: “We can’t make any money! So, we had to close.”

They also alleged that the store was involved in food stamp trafficking, but the store denied this claim. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had barred the store from accepting food stamps, according to The Bloomingtonian.

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Fingers were also reportedly pointed at the landlord who allegedly was uncooperative and offered $15,000 for $45,000 worth of merchandise, according to the ex-employee. 

Economic reasons for the closure were emphasized by the ex-employee as the lease for the property had not expired and had not been a factor in the store's shutdown.

The store's owners are looking to sell its remaining assets, including its gas pumps.

Residents took to Facebook to share their thoughts on the closure as some people were left shocked by the situation.

One person said: "I never thought of a food desert as even being a possibility in Bloomington when there are so many grocery stores.

"But I could see if you didn't have a vehicle how it would be difficult."

Another person said: "Sad situation.

"Can't remember a time when a gas station/convenience store has not always been located there."

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