John Legend pledges to help city find solution as Kroger leaves southern Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — John Legend announced Monday he intends to work with the city of Springfield to help find a solution to what he says will be a food desert on the city’s south side.

Kroger announced last month plans to close its grocery store on South Limestone Street.

John Legend announces food plan after Springfield Kroger closing John Legend announces food plan after Springfield Kroger closing

"I'm concerned about what that means for local residents," John Legend said. "I'm volunteering to work with city officials like Mayor Warren Copeland and others to bring about a solution."

Following the announcement, the city and Kroger officials worked on an agreement that gave the city and residents some support following the closure.

• Kroger officials agreed to donate to the city the building and the land on which it sits
• Kroger officials agreed to give more than $31,000 to support shuttle services to other grocery stores
• Kroger officials agreed to contribute at least $19,000 to the food bank.

Legend said he too has family that lives in southern Springfield.

Until a long term solution is reached, Legend said he is also working with The Abilities Connection to provide shuttle services from the South Limestone Kroger building to the existing Kroger on East Main Street.

“The shuttles are free and will depart at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekends,” Legend said in a YouTube video posted Monday morning.

The shuttle service will allow for residents to shop for an hour before the shuttle returns back to the South Limestone locations.

Legend said he’s focused on bringing a grocery store back to the city’s southside.

“My hope is you’ll hear some good news sometime soon,” he said.