The airwaves and headlines are awash with story after story about inflation’s devastating impact on American families. The rising weight of grocery bills stands above all else when it comes to the economic challenges facing working families.
And as is too often the case when negative economic pressures mount, it is communities of color that disproportionately bear the brunt, deepening the financial instability of countless families and exasperating inequality.
Still, it has been encouraging to see that in 2024 alone, nearly $6.5 billion in federally-funded SNAP benefits have gone to low-income New Yorkers. This number is up, in part because leaders have expanded access, simplifying the application process and removing key barriers to reducing hunger for children, seniors, and those with disabilities.
I was equally encouraged by Gov. Hochul’s proposal to increase the state’s child tax credit for more than 2.75 million children — citing grocery costs as a top cost of living burden. A proposed bill establishing a SNAP minimum benefit of $100 would further bolster a critical support program for New Yorkers in need.
However, in stark contrast to the state’s positive advances toward equitable and effective food policy, a recently introduced bill in the City Council could make it harder to access and afford an essential service relied on by hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers: grocery delivery. This is especially problematic as New Yorkers from every corner of the five boroughs continue to struggle with grocery bills outpacing what they’re able to provide for their families.
But for countless seniors, families, and those living in New York City’s food deserts, grocery delivery is not a luxury, but a lifeline for fresh, nutritious, affordable. With 1.2 million New Yorkers already food insecure, these services fill a critical gap, particularly in communities where accessing a grocery store is a challenge.
Research shows that Black families face a higher risk of experiencing food insecurity, grocery delivery in recent years has proven to be an invaluable tool in addressing food deserts. In fact, 90% of people in low-income, low-access areas have at least one digital food option, proving just how vital digital food access is to ensuring Black communities have real choices when buying food.
Further, it’s no secret that in the 2024 election, rising grocery prices emerged as a top concern for voters across the country. Which is why as inflation continues squeezing household budgets, policymakers should approach any legislation that could impact food costs with great care, not rush to regulations that will exacerbate already harsh economic conditions.
With congestion pricing already increasing any delivery by up to $21 per truck entering Manhattan, these additional expenses will push prices even higher at a time when groceries are already straining budgets. The result will undoubtedly be seniors, low-income families, communities of color, and SNAP beneficiaries — those who depend on these services the most-facing new, unprecedented barriers to accessing affordable food.
Rising food costs are a direct threat to New Yorkers’ quality of life. According to recent surveys, 96% of voters cited high prices for essentials like groceries as a major factor in their decision-making during the 2024 election. Lawmakers must take this into account. Policies that recklessly drive up grocery prices, intended or not, will only exacerbate the struggles of working families who are already feeling the pinch.
Local grocery stores would also be collateral damage. These brick-and-mortar businesses, which count on delivery platforms to compete with larger online retailers like Walmart, are already under pressure. Higher costs could discourage customers from using these services, limiting access to customers, further straining small grocers and driving them out of business. This would leave entire communities — especially in the outer boroughs — with even fewer food options.
Rather than impede access to grocery delivery, the Council should follow the state’s lead by further enhancing the city Human Resources Administration’s ability to process applications. The city should also consider expanding the Groceries to Go program, which provides eligible New Yorkers with monthly credits to purchase groceries.
New York City has an opportunity to lead the nation in crafting policies that balance worker protections with the needs of our communities. The stakes are high. If this legislation passes without carefully considering and balancing its broader impact, it could result in higher grocery bills and a devastating setback for food accessibility in our city.
The Council must ensure that any changes to any policies affecting the cost of and access to groceries prioritize equity, affordability, and access for all New Yorkers.
Sharpton is the founder and president of National Action Network.