Requiring San Francisco Grocery Stores to Provide Six-Month Notice Before Closure Would Not Address Root of Problem: Expert

SAN FRANCISCO—A proposed ordinance requiring grocery stores to give a six-month notice before closing their doors seeks to resurrect a 1984 law that was vetoed by Mayor Dianne Feinstein at the time. The ordinance aims to secure access to groceries for seniors and families within their own community. “Food insecurity is on the rise, especially for seniors and families, as food prices skyrocket and food programs face major cuts,” said Supervisor Dean Preston in a press release. “We need to be doing everything in our power to maintain access to groceries in our neighborhoods.” Introduced in early April by Mr. Preston, the ordinance is called the “Neighborhood Grocery Protection Act.” Additional stipulations include a requirement to meet with community members prior to closure as well as a requirement to explore a replacement supermarket....