New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Monday his administration will be offering 30% discounts for staple items at his promised government-run grocery stores in each of the city’s five boroughs.
The first city-owned grocery store is expected to open in the Bronx by the end of 2027, with another location in Manhattan slated for a 2029 opening date. The other three stores have not been selected yet, but they are expected to be running by the end of the mayor’s first term in January 2030. In the meantime, Mamdani is focused on promoting affordability for low-income residents in need of food.
At a press conference in Brooklyn, Mamdani revealed that essential groceries such as produce, meat, seafood, pasta, bread, yogurt, butter, nuts, rice, and beans will be 30% cheaper than normal. Other products will be sold at regular market prices.
“Once a month, our five city-run grocery stores will set prices for this core set of goods at 30% below typical retail prices,” the mayor said. “No exceptions, no gimmicks. The savings will last for the entire month.”
He added, “That means no weekly fluctuations or sticker shock at the checkout line — not for our seniors living on fixed incomes, nor for the parents who rely on a regular supply of apple slices to keep toddler tantrums at bay.”
The price cut is expected to save New Yorkers about $90 a month, or roughly $1,000 a year, as grocery prices have risen by 33% nationwide since 2019, according to the mayor’s office.
While announcing the 30% discounts, Mamdani demonstrated that shoppers can scan QR codes on produce to learn more about the city’s policy report for the pilot program.
The report, titled “N.Y.C. Groceries: A Recipe for Affordability,” builds on the socialist mayor’s campaign proposal calling for government ownership of grocery stores to expand food access in underserved communities and to combat the soaring costs of groceries.
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“In a city that’s defined by unpredictability, you deserve stability — no matter what aisle you’re in,” Mamdani said.
The Democratic administration also issued a request for proposals that would let qualified grocers apply to run the future municipal grocery stores. The selected operator for each location will be responsible for daily operations, such as merchandising and staffing. Responses are due by Oct. 16.