You’re invited to attend the Monday November 3 Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) Roosevelt Island Committee meeting via Zoom starting at 6:30 PM.
Among the items on the Agenda is a presentation by Roosevelt Island Residents Association Vice President Felicia Ruff regarding pricing at the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket.
Residents on Roosevelt Island are speaking up — our local Foodtown has been accused of price gouging and selling expired products, leaving seniors, disabled neighbors, and families on fixed incomes struggling to afford basic groceries.
When the only supermarket on the island hikes prices unfairly, it’s not just bad business — it’s exploitation of a captive community. No one should have to choose between quality food and financial survival….
On October 20, I asked Foodtown supermarket management for comment:
Yesterday a group of Roosevelt Island Seniors, Disabled and other residents protested outside of the Roosevelt Island Foodtown Supermarket about unaffordable prices. They cited for example a pound of bacon for $17, mayonnaise at $17 and sale items that were expired. The group says it’s the beginning of their protest campaign….
Foodtown management did not respond but they did reduce the Oscar Meyer bacon price to $8.99.
This store is own by the corporate nightmare that is John Catsimatidis/Red Apple Group, just as was the former Gristedes at this location. Same business model of overcharging at upper East Side prices while sending us the leftovers at the warehouse – as I was informed by an employee long ago. Such a ridiculous business model. Everyone could shop there if they provided fresh, consistent products at reasonable prices. They’d make a lot more money that way instead of gouging us when we can’t get off the island. Same as it ever was.
A gallon of Lactaid milk is $9.99 at this awful store. It has nearby expiration dates and even before the expiration it spoils. This never happens with Costco Lactaid at $5.59.
Also the name change must have been expensive because that is when they discontinued the Senior Discount of 10% on Tuesdays.