“You have to think about struggling people” Food desert program to begin in NW Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When the Jacksonville Transportation Authority first initiated the ReadiRide program, it served five neighborhoods. Now, it serves 11.

The announcement was made in front of the future Winn-Dixie store at the Gateway Town Center during a free food giveaway Saturday.

The idea sounded great to Kevin Huffin.

“I like the idea. Plus, on top of that, you get to meet people,” said Huffin.

The goal of the Door to Store program is to provide neighbors living in food deserts a way to get fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.

“My grandmother has been using JTA bus for nearly forty years,” Huffin said.

But he wondered how easy the program will be to use for people like his grandmother.

“You have to think about the struggling people who need to go to the store. Some of them have walking distance, then some have to travel to get there,” said Huffin.

Many neighbors in Northwest Jacksonville live in what’s considered a food desert, or a place without easy access to a supermarket where few people have cars.

During construction, Winn-Dixie has been giving away free food every Saturday.

The final food giveaway will be on Feb. 1, 2019.

The grocery store will officially open for business on Feb. 12, 2019.

With an expansion of the Door to Store program, city officials are hoping it will at least help some of the people who live in Northwest Jacksonville.

Reservations can be made for pick-up and drop-off rides up to two hours in advance by selecting the Door to Store option when customers call Readiride at 904-515-2458.

Through the program, JTA will give rides to and from seven grocery store locations within the Northside ReadiRide zone.

• Jacksonville Farmers Market located at 1810 W Beaver St., Jacksonville, FL 32209
• Harveys Supermarket stores located at:
• 2261 Edgewood Ave. West, Jacksonville, FL 32209
• 201 West 48th, Jacksonville, FL 32208
• 777 Market St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
• Save-A-Lot grocery stores located at:
• 8000 Lem Turner Road, Jacksonville, FL 32208
• 5751 Main St. North, Jacksonville, FL 32208
• Winn-Dixie - Future location (opening Feb. 12) at 5210 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32208
• Price Rite - 3528 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

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