Hy-Vee Will Offer FREE Delivery After Cedar Rapids Store Closes

Hy-Vee announced plans on Wednesday to help residents who will be affected by the closing of the First Ave. Cedar Rapids location next month.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that Hy-Vee is working with the landlords to try and fill the space currently occupied by the First Ave. Cedar Rapids Hy-Vee store. Hy-Vee officials say they will NOT be placing a 'use restriction' on the Cedar Rapids property or other stores closing in Waterloo and Davenport. That leaves the door open for another grocery store chain to move in.

The Gazette reports that in addition to trying to fill the space, Hy-Vee will offer programs for residents near the soon-to-be-closed stores. They include:

Free Transportation - Hy-Vee will provide a free shuttle from each closed store to the nearest Hy-Vee where prescriptions will be transferred. The service will run three days a week for four hours. The service will begin June 24th and run through September 1st when it will be reevaluated.
Free Grocery Delivery - Hy-Vee will deliver groceries for FREE within a 1-mile radius of each store that is closing for one year when you sign up for the service. Sign-up begins June 10th. A minimum order of $24.95 is required.
Pharmacy Delivery - Hy-Vee will continue to provide FREE pharmacy delivery to Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Davenport residents.
Food Bank Help - Hy-Vee is partnering with HACAP to fund, supply, and staff food distribution events in July and August while school is out for the summer.

The Gazette reports that members of the Linn County Board of Health said the next business to occupy the space should draft an exit strategy that considers the neighborhood it serves.