The only true grocery store in Roanoke closed on Monday for good, and now people living in or around the village have fewer options close to home.
IGA Foodliner employees were given a three-day notice before the store’s closing that they would lose their jobs.
The only other in-town grocery option is Dollar General, which doesn’t sell fresh food or produce. The nearest true grocery stores are in Eureka and Metamora.
Kelly Audi said she had worked at the store for more than 18 years before she was laid off. She believes if the village doesn’t find another grocery store soon, people could pick up and move to other cities.
“I didn’t really know what to think. Irritation. Frustration. Upset,” Audi said. “I’ve got a daughter at home. So single mom and losing my only source of income.”
“It’s a big loss, especially the elder residents here in town who don’t have means for transportation to drive out of town,” she added. “I’m not sure what they’re going to do. My heart hurts for them.”
Store owners would not give reason why the grocery store is closing.
Some neighbors said Dollar General had more options than IGA Foodline, so they left the grocer.
The mayor was not available for comment.
Village Trustee Kirby Wagner said times have changed for small towns in Illinois, with people leaving Roanoke in the past for bigger cities.
“We’re going to be receptive to the village wants,” Wagner said. “Then what the village board is able to do is connecting to grants or providing connections to cooperative grocery stores such as you’ve seen across the state.”
Wagner said residents can voice their concerns at the next village board meeting on May 6 at 7 p.m.
