KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Residents Miss Neighborhood Dillons

Residents Miss Neighborhood Dillons

No car and no near-by grocery store. That's what some Wichitans are dealing with after Dillons closed Monday at 13th and Waco. It's one of four stores shutting down and relocating. However, the new locations aren't as convenient for those who have to walk.

Audrey Castaneda is about to get a lot more exercise. "I don't have a vehicle right now," she said. So every other day, she'd walk two blocks to the 13th and Waco Dillons. "That was crazy they closed it down. They took something real convenient for the neighborhood away," Castaneda said.

Since residents can no longer go to Dillons, they're going to Walgreens across the street. The store has had an extra 400 customers a day since Dillons closed. In response Walgreens extended it pharmacy hours and says it will stock more grocery items.

Castaneda shops at Walgreens now but not for everything. She only buys necessities because she sayas it's more expensive. For major groceries, she has to go two and a half miles away to 21st and Amidon. "Either you walk or you get money to ride the bus, that's your only choice," she said.

Dillons says it's working on a transportation plan for the neighborhood. It's trying to partner with a non-profit to provide rides to those who need it.