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Former Winn-Dixie in West Montgomery Closes, Raising Food Desert Concerns
Residents say the shutdown has forced many families to travel farther for groceries.
Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:15pm
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A longtime grocery option on Montgomery's west side, a former Winn-Dixie store, is now closed for renovations and expected to reopen as a Piggly Wiggly Food for Less. Residents in District 4 say the closure has made everyday essentials harder to reach, with some having to take multiple bus transfers to get to the nearest grocery store. District 4 Councilwoman Franetta Riley says the area is considered a food desert, and city leaders are working on long-term redevelopment to help attract more businesses and resources.
Why it matters
The closure of the former Winn-Dixie store has exacerbated the issue of food deserts in Montgomery's District 4, where residents now face increased challenges in accessing affordable and nutritious food options. This highlights the need for city leaders to prioritize revitalizing the area and attracting new grocery stores to serve the community.
The details
The former Winn-Dixie store is closed for renovations and is expected to reopen as a Piggly Wiggly Food for Less. In the meantime, residents say the shutdown has forced many families to travel farther for groceries, with some having to take multiple bus transfers to reach the nearest Walmart. District 4 Councilwoman Franetta Riley says the area is considered a food desert, and city leaders are working on long-term redevelopment plans, including clearing out vacant structures to make way for new commercial development.
- The former Winn-Dixie store is now closed for renovations.
- The store is expected to reopen as a Piggly Wiggly Food for Less, but a reopening date has not been announced.
The players
Kela Wright
A District 4 resident who says a simple grocery run now takes multiple bus transfers.
Franetta Riley
The District 4 Councilwoman who says the area is considered a food desert and that city leaders are working on long-term redevelopment plans.
What they’re saying
“If I do want to go to the store I got to get on the bus to go to Walmart. And then you got to get on two to three buses to get to Walmart. When we were in walking distance we could just walk here.”
— Kela Wright, District 4 resident
“To make green space and as well as commercial space for people to come back and purchase property and build back up.”
— Franetta Riley, District 4 Councilwoman
What’s next
City leaders say bids are already out for the planned demolition of the Candlelight property on West South Boulevard, which is expected to take at least a month before a company is selected. More vacant buildings are expected to be demolished across the district as those redevelopment plans move forward.
The takeaway
The closure of the former Winn-Dixie store in Montgomery's District 4 has exacerbated the issue of food deserts in the area, highlighting the need for city leaders to prioritize revitalizing the community and attracting new grocery stores to serve the residents who now face increased challenges in accessing affordable and nutritious food options.
