Mamdani Plans to Open City-Owned Grocery Store in East Harlem

As a candidate, Mr. Mamdani said he would create five city-owned grocery stores, one in each borough, in hopes of bringing down food costs for struggling New Yorkers.

A second store will open in an existing building in another borough by the end of next year, the mayor’s office said. His administration plans to open all five stores by the end of his term in 2029.

Mr. Mamdani said in a statement that corporations control the food supply chain and that the city needed to offer a public option.

“We cannot accept a status quo where even the most basic necessity — putting food on the table — feels out of reach,” he said. “This is about ensuring that every New Yorker, regardless of income or ZIP code, has access to fresh, healthy food at a price they can afford.”