Brooklyn Park residents concerned over shortage of affordable, fresh foods as their Lidl plans to close

BALTIMORE -- Discount grocery chain Lidl closes its Brooklyn Park location on Sunday, July 16.

"This was an underperforming location, and we made the strategic decision to close this location so we can focus on the locations that are closer and more convenient to more of our customers and where we are seeing significant growth," a representative said Wednesday. 

The company said it is offering all employees a position at another Lidl in the area and "working closely with them on the transition."

With another grocery store gone, residents in the Brooklyn Park neighborhood are worried about the lack of options for affordable and quality fresh food.

Residents told  WJZ they liked the low prices and variety that Lidl offered.

But now, they will have to find a new place to buy their groceries with limited grocery stores in the area.

"As soon as I get off of work, that would be where I would buy to make dinner quickly for the kids," Baltimore resident Diana Santizo said.

For many people in this community, this Lidl is essential. 

"Definitely a big deal because it's going to cause a food desert," said Anne Arundel County resident Alexander Dennis said.

A food desert is an urban area where buying affordable or good-quality fresh food is difficult. 

According to Daniel Wiese, a senior scientist at the American Cancer Society, a lack of access to fresh meats, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits could impact your health. 

"The lack of access to, in general, healthy food is a potential contributor to several adverse health impacts, primarily diabetes and obesity," Weise said.

"At one point, I do understand why they're closing, but it's just like, the impact that it's going to have on a lot of people," Santizo said. "It's bad."

The chain has seven locations in the Baltimore area. Click here to find a location near you.