"Publicly-owned grocery stores could be valuable tools in helping residents burdened by rising food costs and those potentially facing the loss of benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Breadon said. Food prices in August 2025 were more than 3% higher than in August 2024, according to USDA data, and prices are expected to continue to rise in 2026. At the same time, SNAP benefits are set to be disrupted by the Trump-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was signed into law earlier this year."
"Some 40,000 SNAP recipients in Greater Boston are likely to be subject to more restrictive work requirements, according to an analysis from Boston Indicators. While many of these people will be able to demonstrate that they are meeting the requirements, some will not. In addition, the new administrative burden will likely dissuade otherwise eligible recipients from pursuing their SNAP benefits."
Boston City Council will examine the feasibility of publicly-owned grocery stores to combat rising food costs and potential SNAP disruptions. Councilor Liz Breadon highlighted hunger among children, young people, and elders despite abundant food and significant food waste. USDA data show food prices in August 2025 were over 3% higher than a year earlier, with further increases expected in 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impose more restrictive SNAP work requirements, potentially affecting about 40,000 recipients in Greater Boston and creating administrative burdens that may deter participation. Greater Boston food insecurity rose to 37% this year, up from 19% in 2019. Council President Ruthzee Louijeune urged review of examples in Atlanta, Wisconsin, and Illinois and called for broader discussion.
Read at Boston.com
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