New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for city-run grocery stores has drawn criticism after an official suggested a "library-card-esque" identification system could be used to stop shoppers exploiting the scheme's discounted prices. The proposal, central to Mamdani's campaign pledge to tackle food affordability, has prompted accusations of hypocrisy from critics who note that Democrats have historically opposed voter identification requirements, such as the SAVE Act, while now backing ID checks for subsidised groceries.

The plan would see city-run stores sell food at roughly 30% below market price, and officials confirmed at a press briefing that some form of identification would likely be required to ensure only New York residents benefit and to prevent bulk-buying for resale at a profit. New York City Economic Development Corporation representative Jeanny Pak discussed methods for verifying eligible shoppers, though full details of the verification system have not yet been finalised.