What you should know about the now closed Hy-Vee locations

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – It's been two months since Hy-Vee closed three locations in eastern Iowa, including one in Cedar Rapids and another in Waterloo.

Census data shows that people in poorer areas have been left in food deserts. Hy-Vee cited financial difficulties as the reason for closing the stores. Since the Hy-Vee store on Cedar Rapids 1st Avenue closed in late June, the company says it has been trying to find another grocer or alternative for that location. But those who have shopped there tell me it hasn't been easy for them since the store closed.

Signs on the vacant Hy-Vee building have been removed and replaced with “Store Closed” signs since the grocery store closed in June.

“I've seen this before, it was the newer one, and now this one, and now it's gone,” Marcee Taylor said. “It's tragic, really tragic.”

Taylor has lived in the Wellington Heights area her entire life. She said this is the store she goes to for all her groceries, but since it's closed, she has to ask for some extra help.

“Luckily, my brother can take me to many places. Otherwise I would have to rely on the bus, which is a real nuisance for many people,” she says.

Hy-Vee stopped its free shuttle bus from that Oakland Road Hy-Vee location on Sept. 1. A company spokesperson said 12 people used the service each week. The city of Cedar Rapids said it still offers a city bus service that people can use, but Taylor said it's not always easy.

“Just the round trip would take up a large part of my day. I mean, you have to expect two hours for the round trip,” Taylor said.

Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz said the city is still trying to meet that need.

“We are actively working to attract a grocer and are evaluating several options,” Pomeranz said. “We will continue to pursue and exploit all available opportunities.”

Taylor simply wanted another option that was more convenient for her and her neighbors.

“Seeing this empty building every day and knowing that people like me needed this place and now it’s gone.”

Hy-Vee said people still having problems can contact corporate headquarters directly. The company said its free pharmacy program will also continue to be offered throughout the corridor.

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