From PhillyVoice · · 1m 50s
City Council to explore city-run grocery store
Philadelphia City Council proposes city-run grocery store to lower food costs amid SNAP access issues.
In brief
Philadelphia City Council proposes city-run grocery store to lower food costs amid SNAP access issues. Philadelphia City Council introduced legislation to create a food insecurity office and hold hearings on a city-run grocery store to address food affordability after federal SNAP policy changes cut access for 98,000…
City Council proposes food security office
Philadelphia City Council introduced legislation to create an Office of Food and Nutrition Security and a Food and Nutrition Security Advisory Commission.
New federal SNAP policy changes
Federal work requirement changes for SNAP led to 98,000 Pennsylvanians losing access to food benefits.
Council President Johnson's statement
Council President Kenyatta Johnson said they're working to ensure no children go to bed hungry and develop a long-term strategy for food insecurity.
Legislation includes grocery store hearing
The legislation features resolutions to hold hearings on grocery prices and consumer habits and the possibility of creating a community grocery store.
City-run grocery store concept
Johnson explained the city-run grocery store concept is similar to state-funded retail stores receiving Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding.
New York City comparison
The plan echoes a similar proposal in New York City by Mayor Zohran Mamdani but Johnson was influenced by Newark, New Jersey's five city-run grocery stores.
Additional hearings on consumer data
Per the package, additional hearings will examine how grocery stores use consumer data, surveillance technologies and algorithm-based pricing.
Office director requirements
The food insecurity office would be led by a mayor-appointed director with at least five years of senior leadership experience.
Commission timeline
The advisory commission would submit recommendations by December 31, 2029, after requiring changes to the city charter.
Implementation timeline
If approved by City Council, the office would go into effect on January 1, 2028, with voter approval in May.
The short version
Philadelphia City Council introduced legislation to create a food insecurity office and hold hearings on a city-run grocery store to address food affordability after federal SNAP policy changes cut access for 98,000 Pennsylvanians.
