The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the introduction of the Neighborhood Grocery Protection Act, aimed at safeguarding community grocery stores from abrupt closures. The ordinance, presented by Supervisor Preston, mandates that large supermarkets provide a six-month notice to customers before permanently closing and requires them to engage with the community to explore options for continued grocery sales at the location.

This legislation was developed in response to community concerns following Safeway's announcement of a sudden closure of its Webster Street store, the only full-service grocery store in the Fillmore neighborhood. The proposed ordinance seeks to prevent similar situations by ensuring that communities are informed and involved in the decision-making process regarding grocery store closures.

The act updates a 1984 law that was vetoed by then-Mayor Diane Feinstein, which would have required notification and community involvement when a neighborhood grocery store closed. Supervisor Preston emphasized the importance of this legislation, particularly for vulnerable community members, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, who rely on local grocery stores.

The ordinance stipulates that supermarkets must hold a community meeting prior to any closure and work with city departments to find a replacement store if necessary. The legislation has garnered support from various community organizations, including the Fillmore Alliance and the Japantown Task Force, who have expressed concerns about the potential for food deserts in their neighborhoods.

During the meeting, amendments to the ordinance were discussed, including clarifications on who qualifies as a supermarket and the enforcement mechanisms for violations. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development raised concerns about the definition of a supermarket, but city officials clarified that the ordinance specifically targets large food establishments with food preparation facilities.

Public comments reflected strong community support for the legislation, with residents expressing gratitude for the efforts to protect their grocery services. However, some community members voiced frustration that the legislation comes too late for the Fillmore area, where the Safeway is set to close in January 2026.

The Neighborhood Grocery Protection Act represents a significant step towards ensuring that community voices are heard in the face of supermarket closures, aiming to foster collaboration between grocery chains and local residents to maintain essential food services. The ordinance will now proceed to the full board for further consideration.