'Sort of a library card-esque thing': Zohran Mamdani under fire over NYC grocery ID proposal

New Yorkers will get access to sharply discounted items at the city’s future municipally-owned grocery stores, under a new initiative unveiled by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on July 27, 2026. Mamdani announced that the city is issuing a request for proposals from private operators to manage the day-to-day operations of five planned government grocery stores. He said the stores will sell food at prices 30% cheaper than average retail stores, which will be available to shoppers regardless of their income.