City’s Grocery Plan Meets Uptown Success | Albany News

Mayor Mamdani’s push for city-run grocery stores to tackle food insecurity isn’t new—Utica’s 25-year-old nonprofit Bargain Grocery has already proven the model works, slashing prices on fresh, healthy food by selling near-expiry and imperfect produce. With roots in immigrant communities and a mission rooted in dignity over charity, it’s a smarter, more sustainable alternative to food banks. Yet despite state senator Joe Griffo’s letter urging action and the model’s success, the mayor’s office remains silent—though they’re now seeking proposals and insist their plan will support—not compete with—local businesses, aiming to build a citywide food ecosystem where affordability meets accessibility. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0897ddf98537a84c