New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan for city-run grocery stores is facing backlash after his administration revealed that shoppers may need an identification card to access discounted products.
Mamdani announced plans for five city-owned grocery stores that would offer staple items at prices about 30 percent below typical retail costs.
The program is expected to cost approximately $70 million in capital funding, with the first location planned for the La Peninsula redevelopment site in Hunts Point, the Bronx, by the end of 2027.
During a press conference, Mamdani said the program was not intended for people to purchase discounted groceries in bulk and resell them for profit.
“The program is for New Yorkers to be able to put food on the table, not a program for people to be able to make a quick buck through reselling,” Mamdani said.
Jeanny Pak, interim president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, said the city was considering a “library card-esque” membership system to identify shoppers and manage purchases.
Pak said the goal was to ensure the discounts benefited “everyday New Yorkers” rather than people attempting to take advantage of the lower prices.
City officials have not yet explained what documents shoppers would need to obtain the cards or how residency would be confirmed.
Shoppers without a membership card would not be able to purchase discounted goods, although they would still be allowed inside the stores, The Daily Wire reported.
The announcement quickly became a political flashpoint.
Critics quickly accused Mamdani of hypocrisy, pointing to his opposition to voter ID requirements for elections while considering a system to verify shoppers at taxpayer-funded stores.
Former Los Angeles GOP mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt accused Mamdani of requiring identification for government-subsidized groceries while opposing similar requirements for elections, the Daily Mail reported.
Former White House AI and cryptocurrency adviser David Sacks also criticized the plan, calling it ironic that the city would check identification to prevent people from abusing discounted grocery prices while Democrats have opposed voter ID laws.
Elon Musk joined the criticism, asking, “Are they seriously checking ID?” before later writing, “Oh, the irony is too much …”
Mamdani has previously opposed voter ID requirements, arguing they can create barriers to voting.
His administration also faced criticism earlier this year after requiring identification and documentation for participants in a paid city snow-shoveling program.
Mamdani defended that requirement, saying it was connected to federal employment verification rules.
Supporters of the grocery plan pushed back against comparisons between grocery store memberships and voter identification laws.
They argued the proposed system is designed to prevent abuse of a discounted program and ensure taxpayer-supported benefits reach New York City residents.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) defended the grocery store proposal, saying it was intended to address food deserts and provide affordable options in neighborhoods where residents struggle to access full-service grocery stores.
He argued the plan is not designed to replace private grocers or bodegas.
Some independent grocery owners have expressed concerns that city-backed stores offering lower prices could make it harder for small businesses to compete, according to The Guardian.
Critics have also questioned whether government-run grocery stores can operate successfully, while supporters argue the program addresses rising food costs and a lack of affordable food options in underserved communities.
As Mamdani’s administration moves forward with the grocery store proposal, the planned identification system has become the latest political battle surrounding the mayor’s agenda.
The city has yet to finalize details of how the membership program would work or what requirements shoppers would need to meet.
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