A Walmart in Huntsville, Ala. is nestled in what’s known as a “desert food town.” Other than this one grocery store, there isn’t another place for folks who live there to get their groceries for miles.
Now, just days before Christmas, Walmart has confirmed that they will be closing the doors on this location for good, and people are freaking out!
Oakwood University‘s Health Community Director, Robin Daly, is very concerned for Huntsville’s citizens, noting:
“They’re going to be going and getting their food from convenience stores, from gas stations, which do not have the fresh produce that they need to be healthy.”
Another Oakwood University health worker doubles down on that, saying: “We are located in a food desert, and some of the chronic diseases that we are trying to help fight are diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.”
Residents of the small community near Huntsville also have concerns over their only major grocery store closing.
“I hate this! It’s such a convenient location in an underserved area,” one person says.
Another concerned citizen chimes in, “I’ll have to go further to get groceries now.”
The closure comes as Walmart executives continue to look for underperforming locations to either shutter or make changes.
On the closure, Lindsay Coulter, a spokesperson for Walmart, says:
“This decision was not made lightly and was reached only after a careful and thoughtful review process. We have nearly 5,000 stores across the U.S. and unfortunately, some do not meet our financial expectations. While our underlying business is strong, this store hasn’t performed as well as we hoped.”
This means the pharmacy is closing, too. Staff will work with customers to transfer prescriptions to another convenient Walmart location. Walmart employees will be paid through March and offered a transfer to another location, should they wish.
The location closes on Dec. 20.
23 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
PICTURES: See Inside John Deere CEO’s $3.9 Million Barn Mansion
John Deere CEO John C. May is selling his stunning “barndominium” estate in Illinois, and pictures show a one-of-a-kind property that you have to see to believe.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
Top 40 Songs of 2024, Ranked (So Far)
New country artists and traditionalists rule this Top Country Songs of 2024 list.
Airplay charts, sales data and streaming numbers helped make this list of country music’s Top 40 Songs of 2024, but staff and Taste of Country reader opinion were also influential.
Songs included on previous Top Country Songs lists were not eligible.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes
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