New York City shoppers will not need identification to buy discounted food at Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s five planned municipal grocery stores, officials said, rejecting viral claims that the program would verify customers’ identities, residency or income.

City Rejects Viral Grocery ID Claims

As noted in a report by the Associated Press, the misinformation followed NYC Economic Development Corp. interim chief Jeanny Pak’s reference to a possible "library-card-esque" system for controlling demand and discouraging bulk resale. The city says the proposal resembles a supermarket loyalty card, not a government ID program, and would remain voluntary. "You do not need an ID to shop at" the stores, Mamdani said Monday.

The operator request describes a "voluntary free-to-access membership card program" that could track sales, administer discounts and manage shortages. It says membership cannot control physical access. A private operator, not City Hall, will design the system.

Discount Plan Draws Praise And Scrutiny

The clarification comes as Mamdani advances a city-owned grocery plan that has drawn criticism from business figures and free-market advocates. The administration wants one store in each borough, with the first expected to open in Hunts Point in late 2027 and all five operating before his term ends.

The stores would discount produce, meat, seafood, dairy and pantry staples by 30%. City estimates put average savings at about $90 monthly. New York would supply grocery-ready sites and cover rent and property taxes, while private companies would manage daily operations.

Mamdani said, "Thirty percent off adds up to real money for New Yorkers." The city plans to exclude hot food, alcohol and cigarettes to limit competition with bodegas, though small retailers worry subsidized prices could pull away customers. The plan has also drawn scrutiny from Mark Cuban and even Elon Musk.

The Citizens Budget Commission has urged the administration to publish a fuller cost analysis and examine whether subsidizing purchases for every shopper offers the most efficient way to reduce food insecurity. That scrutiny remains separate from the online ID claim, which AP found false.

Grocery Card Is Not Voter Identification

Some critics tied the rumor to the SAVE America Act, the House-passed proposal requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and nationwide voter identification rules. The Mayor’s Office said the comparison does not apply because the grocery card would not authenticate identity or determine eligibility.

Anyone may enter and shop. A voluntary card may help administer discounts and prevent bulk resale, but shoppers will not need a driver’s license, city ID or proof of income.

Image via Shutterstock