BOERUM HILL — Smith Street’s Met Foodmarket is slated to close this year and local residents are starting to wonder where they will shop for groceries once it does.
The store’s imminent closure — one of the few reasonably priced food shops in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill — is a big loss for the neighborhoods, residents say.
“It was really the only affordable place to get generic staples,” said Kathryn Farwell, a 26-year-old engagement manager who lives in Boerum Hill.
In May, developers announced that the Smith Street property would be turning into a two-story retail complex. Investment groups signed an $18.5 million contract to buy the 10,000 square-foot site.
“One day the new money will wash away all the hospitals and produce stores and libraries and basic human services,” said Jeff Strabone, a resident of Cobble Hill.
“And then the new money will move elsewhere and start the cycle again,” he added.
A closing date has not been scheduled, but the shop will remain open till at least the end of August, an employee said.
Most residents said pricier stores like Union Market at 288 Court St. or Whole Foods in Gowanus felt like their only options once Met Foodmarket closed. Trader Joe’s at Atlantic Avenue and Court Street is another nearby substitute, but it lacks generic brands.
To highlight the need for a cheaper grocery store in the neighborhoods, Cobble Hill resident Annie Schoening started a petition to save Met Foodmarket and maintain the community’s access to affordable food. The petition had 20 supporters on Friday morning.
“It’s really about accessibility and affordability,” she said.
Here are a few affordable options for grocery stores near Met Foodmarket at 197 Smith St.
► Park Natural Foods
Location: 350 Court St. at Union Street
What you can buy here: Organic and natural produce, vegetables, groceries, frozen foods, dairy products, cereals, nuts, granola, condiments, sauces, baby food, cleaning products, vitamins and supplements, health and beauty products.
► K&Y Fruit and Vegetables
Location: 291 Court St. between Douglass and Degraw Streets
What you can buy here: Primarily fresh fruits and vegetables. A small selection of dairy products, eggs, condiments and snacks are available at the back of the shop.
► Smith Deli Grocery
Location: 301 Smith St. at Union Street
What you can buy here: Basic cleaning supplies, snacks and breakfast cereals. No produce or vegetables.
► Pacific Green Gourmet Food
Location: 151 Court St. at Pacific Street.
What you can buy here: A popular grocery store among Cobble Hill residents. Fresh fruit and vegetables, oils, cheese, olives, dairy products, sauces, condiments and other groceries.
Did we leave out your local grocery store in Cobble Hill or Boerum Hill? Let us know in the comments.
