Gronk: Is food readily available in NYC? Including access to fruit and vegetables. Are there markets, supermarkets and private grocery stores in the city and what is the average miles for a person who does not have access to a vehicle. And is it considered affordable?
Response:
New York City has one of the highest concentrations of food retailers in the United States, including:
Most New Yorkers do not rely on a personal vehicle for grocery shopping.
Typical distances are:
Is NYC considered a “food desert”?
Compared with most U.S. cities, New York has relatively few true food deserts because of its high density and extensive transit system.
However, there are neighborhoods with:
Is food affordable?.
While food is generally available, it is more expensive than the U.S. average.
Typical grocery prices:
Many households spend a larger share of their income on food because:
Public transportation helps
Because relatively few households own cars in some parts of the city, many people:
Overall
Physical access to food in New York City is generally very good:
I tend to think there are offsetting costs which makes all of this relative. Housing is higher and food as well, but they do not own a car, do not have car insurance or other costs. The idea they do not have access is not accurate.
This is all about subsiding the cost. A Government run grocery store will not work. If you wish to help families who struggle in this area, expand a city-wide funded food-stamp program. Have income thresholds, household size and various other ways to provide a possible monthly stipend. However, I am not sure the need is sufficient to address this.
Mandani is hell bent on doing this because he is a communist. And he wants to implement policies that are communistic in hopes it will be successful and move the needle in the direction of his communistic policies.
Countries with Government run grocery stores: Cuba, North Korea, China, Venezuela, Russia.
Response:
New York City has one of the highest concentrations of food retailers in the United States, including:
- Large supermarket chains
- Independent neighborhood grocery stores
- Small markets and bodegas
- Produce stands
- Weekly farmers markets
- Ethnic grocery stores carrying fresh produce from around the world
Most New Yorkers do not rely on a personal vehicle for grocery shopping.
Typical distances are:
- In dense parts of Manhattan: often less than 0.25 miles (a 5-minute walk).
- In much of Brooklyn and Queens: roughly 0.25 to 0.5 miles.
- In less dense sections of The Bronx and Staten Island, some residents may walk 0.5 to 1 mile or more.
Is NYC considered a “food desert”?
Compared with most U.S. cities, New York has relatively few true food deserts because of its high density and extensive transit system.
However, there are neighborhoods with:
- fewer full-service supermarkets,
- greater reliance on bodegas,
- higher grocery prices,
- fewer fresh produce options.
Is food affordable?.
While food is generally available, it is more expensive than the U.S. average.
Typical grocery prices:
- Produce often costs 10–30% more than the national average.
- Meat and dairy are usually above the national average.
- Specialty and organic foods can be significantly more expensive.
Many households spend a larger share of their income on food because:
- housing costs are very high,
- wages vary considerably,
- grocery prices are elevated.
Public transportation helps
Because relatively few households own cars in some parts of the city, many people:
- walk to nearby stores,
- use the subway or buses,
- use folding shopping carts,
- have groceries delivered.
Overall
Physical access to food in New York City is generally very good:
- Availability of food: Excellent.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Widely available.
- Average distance without a car: Usually ¼–½ mile in most neighborhoods, often even less in denser areas.
- Affordability: Mixed. Food is available, but many residents find it expensive relative to their incomes.
I tend to think there are offsetting costs which makes all of this relative. Housing is higher and food as well, but they do not own a car, do not have car insurance or other costs. The idea they do not have access is not accurate.
This is all about subsiding the cost. A Government run grocery store will not work. If you wish to help families who struggle in this area, expand a city-wide funded food-stamp program. Have income thresholds, household size and various other ways to provide a possible monthly stipend. However, I am not sure the need is sufficient to address this.
Mandani is hell bent on doing this because he is a communist. And he wants to implement policies that are communistic in hopes it will be successful and move the needle in the direction of his communistic policies.
Countries with Government run grocery stores: Cuba, North Korea, China, Venezuela, Russia.
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