Mamdani Proposes City-Run Grocery Stores to Cut Prices
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic front-runner in the New York City mayoral race, proposes creating a network of city-owned grocery stores (potentially one per borough) to lower grocery prices. The New York Times video visits existing city-owned markets such as Essex Market and Arthur Avenue—where subsidized rents help keep prices down—and presents supporters, critics in the private grocery industry, and poll data showing broad public support.
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Mamdani’s Plan for Government-Run Grocery Stores: Will It Help?
New information:
- Candidate: Zohran Mamdani (NYC mayoral front-runner) proposes city-owned grocery stores to lower food costs.
- Public support: A poll cited in the piece finds 66% of New Yorkers back government-run grocery stores.
- Existing model: The city owns or is landlord for six public markets (examples: Essex Market, Arthur Avenue); Viva Frutas operates inside Essex Market with lower rent enabling lower prices.
- Price context: The video cites grocery inflation figures—eggs, meat, poultry and fish up ~8.9% year-over-year; dairy up over 5%.
- Opposition concerns: Private grocers and some rival mayoral candidates warn such stores could displace independent supermarkets and bodegas.