During Friday’s airing of “CNN NewsNight,” New York City mayoral candidate Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D) addressed the failures of government-operated grocery stores by emphasizing the need to demonstrate both the effectiveness and excellence of this concept. He remarked that for every instance of failure, there are other municipalities currently considering opening city-run grocery stores.
Host Abby Phillip inquired, “[E]xplain how this really would work, and why is the government a better solution for a lack of grocery stores, food deserts than just working with the private sector to have them do what they know how to do, which is, run grocery stores? What’s your answer to that?”
Mamdani explained, “There are over a thousand grocery stores in New York City. I suggest establishing five more, one in each borough, managed by the city, ensuring more affordable groceries—not free, but more affordable. Food is essential for all New Yorkers and everyone else, yet it’s becoming increasingly unaffordable. We can explore the potential of a public option, and studies specific to urban environments like Chicago suggest that we can implement this concept effectively in New York City.”
Phillip pointed out, “But there was another example in Kansas City where a government-run store has been operating for years but is now at risk of closing due to issues like crime and inventory shortages. Other examples show the government is not adept at managing grocery stores. What is your response to that?”
Mamdani replied, “Regarding that example, and even our own city government’s failures here in New York, we need to illustrate both the success and superiority of this initiative. For every negative case, another municipality is considering a city-run grocery store today. Ultimately, outcomes matter most to me. I am confident in this approach. With top talent, we will implement five stores at a $60 million cost—less than half of what the city currently spends on subsidizing corporate supermarkets.”
