Immokalee residents struggle for groceries after Winn-Dixie closure

The residents of Immokalee are facing a growing concern—access to groceries. The recent closure of the only full-service grocery store, the Winn-Dixie on Lake Trafford Road, has transformed the area into a food desert.

Now, families find themselves either traveling out of town for groceries or going without essentials.

"Our Winn Dixie is gone," said Diane Rios Martinez, who attended WINK Listens. "We have those small mom and pop shops that don't carry stuff that we need, essential stuff."

Many families are now spending more by shopping at small stores, ordering online, or driving to nearby Ave Maria or LaBelle.

"We need something bigger, better and soon," said Maria Salinas, another participant at WINK Listens.

Collier County attempted to provide a temporary solution with a free bus route to a full-service grocery store, but low ridership led to the discontinuation of the pilot program last month.

"Do you really picture me getting on a cat bus with four kids to go to Naples, to go there, take me a 45-minute route, and buy a week's worth of groceries? That's not going to happen," said Salinas.

Seniors in the community feel the impact of the store's closure even more acutely.

"I feel like Immokalee is a forgotten place," said Barbara Horan, who also attended WINK Listens.

"That's sad when you can't eat," added Juanita Patterson. "We need a store, not no Dollar General, Family Dollar."

Immokalee is a community known for producing food for many, yet residents struggle to feed their own families.

While an ALDI is expected to open in the coming months, there is still no confirmed timeline. Additionally, residents are concerned that ALDI will not accept WIC, which is a significant issue for the many low-income households in the area.