For many Long Island families, access to fresh produce and affordable groceries is not always convenient. But that changed Friday in Hempstead Village with the grand opening of a new supermarket in the heart of downtown.

Compare Fresh Foods, a 17,000-square-foot grocery store on Main Street, officially opened its doors. The shop offers residents a full selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and everyday essentials in an area leaders say has long been underserved.

Scenquetta Dixon, a Hempstead resident shopping on opening day, said the store fills an important need for the community.

“It has a lot of foods that people in the community are used to getting, a lot of ethnic foods,” Dixon said. “The fruits and vegetable section is delicious.”

Store owner Jose Urena said the project began three years ago after village officials approached him about opening a supermarket beneath a new apartment development on the site of a former bodega.

“They approached us with what was coming with the apartment building, and they thought it was a great idea to put a supermarket underneath,” Urena said. “We thought the same way also.”

Village officials said the market is the first full-service supermarket in the downtown area, providing residents with greater access to healthy and affordable food options.

Located near Hempstead’s Long Island Rail Road station and major bus hub, the supermarket is accessible to both drivers and pedestrians and is expected to serve a growing number of residents and commuters.

Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. said the opening is part of a larger effort to revitalize downtown Hempstead.

“We have received close to maybe $200 million in funding to address our infrastructure, water and sewer, and development here in the Village of Hempstead,” Hobbs said.

Dixon said the new store will make it easier for families to find the foods they need close to home.

“People will be able to find what they like and what they need so they can stay healthy,” she said.