Overview
- On Oct. 8, councilors voted to refer a hearing order by Liz Breadon and Council President Ruthzee Louijeune to committee to examine the feasibility of publicly owned grocery stores.
- The review will assess public or public‑private approaches used in places such as Atlanta and Madison and consider ways to bolster nonprofit grocers and co-ops after recent local closures.
- Supporters cite rising grocery costs, projected SNAP work‑requirement disruptions affecting roughly 40,000 Greater Boston recipients, and a report finding 37% of Massachusetts households faced food insecurity this year.
- Mayor Michelle Wu said the city has not turned to government-run stores as an effective solution and highlighted existing efforts like fresh-food discounts and support for local grocers.
- Business advocates warn city-run outlets could undercut small retailers, and a committee hearing could be scheduled before the end of the year.