# City Council to explore city-run grocery store

> Philadelphia City Council proposes city-run grocery store to lower food costs amid SNAP access issues.
- Title: City Council to explore city-run grocery store · PhillyVoice
- Summary: Philadelphia City Council proposes city-run grocery store to lower food costs amid SNAP access issues. Philadelphia City Council introduced legislation to…
- Keywords: philadelphia, city council, kenyatta johnson, food insecurity, snap, grocery store, food affordability, office of food and nutrition security, food and nutrition security advisory com, redemption assistance capital program, news, local
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/grocery-affordability-philadelphia-city-council
- Published: 2026-10-08T22:08:59.822+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: philadelphia, city council, kenyatta johnson, food insecurity, snap, grocery store, food affordability, office of food and nutrition security, food and nutrition security advisory com, redemption assistance capital program, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.