Public groceries. At cost.
At-cost public grocery stores are our lead food policy. Buy directly where practical and sell at acquisition cost, with no retail markup.
Realistic now
Open public stores in underserved areas. Use transparent purchasing and publish a separate operating budget for wages, rent, refrigeration, freight and spoilage.
The ideal
Make a basic basket of groceries available at cost to everyone. Private grocers and specialty shops remain free to compete.
Benefits
At-cost prices remove the retail markup on participating goods. Reliable stores in underserved neighborhoods improve access.
Costs / risks
The operating budget still needs funding. Compare the same basket, quality and location and count the full costs before reporting savings.
Real life
Publish the acquisition price and the operating budget alongside each other. USDA’s Food Dollar shows where spending goes across the supply chain.