Another Supermarket Closing

Councilman James Vacca is holding a rally in front of another Bronx supermarket that is threatened with closing. Once again, it underscores just what kind of a crisis exists in the city's neighborhoods. Here's the councilman's press release:

Vacca, Local Residents, UFCW Union to Rally in Support of Local Supermarket

Pelham Gardens/Allerton community hopes to buck nationwide trend

Council Member James Vacca, dozens of local residents, and representatives of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union will host a rally outside of the Met Food Supermarket at 2504 Eastchester Road on Monday, May 19, to send a signal to landlord Murray Appelbaum that the Pelham Gardens/Allerton community, especially its large senior population, needs this supermarket to remain open.

Despite the supermarket owner’s commitment to stay, Mr. Appelbaum, of Appelbaum Realty, has negotiated a deal with Walgreens to take over the site, city records show. If the Met Food closes, Pelham Gardens/Allerton will become one of the most under-served areas of the Bronx in terms of supermarket access ― the latest victim in a nationwide trend that has starved hundreds of communities of quality shopping options and creating significant burdens for senior citizens, many of whom depend on their grocer being within walking distance.

“We need another chain drugstore in this neighborhood like we need a hole in the head,” said Vacca. “Today, we are urging Mr. Appelbaum to consider not just his bottom line but also the needs of a community that has helped support him over the course of many years. On behalf of our seniors, our families, and all those who would rather shop in their own neighborhood than drive to a Costco or a BJ’s, we’re sending a message about how important this supermarket has become to the fabric of this community.”

Who: Council Member Vacca, over 50 local residents, members of UFCW
What: Rally to send a message that the Met Food Supermarket must stay open
When: Monday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Met Food Supermarket, 2504 Eastchester Road (corner of Mace Avenue), Bronx

Contact: Bret Nolan Collazzi (718) 931-1721 / (646) 261-4471