The First Free Grocery Store in New York Is Opening! What You Need to Know

Free grocery store opens temporarily in New York

Private initiative aims to combat high food costs

Debate grows over fair access to groceries

New York is about to experience something unprecedented amid the crisis caused by rising food costs. A technology company announced the opening of the first completely free grocery store in the city.

The announcement comes at a critical moment, as thousands of families struggle to cover basic expenses such as food. Inflation and rising prices have turned grocery shopping into a daily concern for many households.

A Free Grocery Store in New York—Is It Possible?

Polymarket has described its project as “New York’s first free grocery store.” The idea is simple but powerful: allow anyone to walk in and take food without paying.

The initiative was unveiled by Polymarket, a digital prediction-market platform that decided to invest in a social project. The company confirmed that it signed a lease to open a temporary grocery market with no cost to customers.

The store will open its doors on February 12 and will operate for only five days. Even so, the proposal has generated major interest due to its innovative and symbolic nature.

“No purchase required,” the company stated in a post on X, accompanied by the promise that the store will be fully stocked.

After months of planning, we’re excited to announce ‘The Polymarket’ is coming to New York City.

New York’s first free grocery store.

We signed the lease. And we donated $1 million to Food Bank For NYC — an organization that changes how our city responds to hunger. pic.twitter.com/BGMCWUMz8n

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) February 3, 2026

The company also made clear that there will be no access restrictions. “We’re open to all New Yorkers,” Polymarket stated on social media.

In another post, the company reinforced the community-focused spirit of the project, calling it “a real, physical investment in our community.”

The grand opening of the free grocery store is scheduled for February 12 at noon Eastern Time. From that moment on, any resident will be able to access products without making a purchase.

Free Grocery Store in New York to Open Soon – PHOTO: Shutterstock

Months of Planning Behind a Free Grocery Store

Although the market will only operate for five days, its preparation took several months. Polymarket explained that the project required permits, construction, and complex logistics.

According to a statement cited by Business Insider, the activation is the result of detailed planning, including the creation of a dedicated retail space and partnerships with nonprofit organizations.

The company emphasized that the action represents a direct commitment to the city. “A direct investment in the city where Polymarket was founded and scaled,” the statement reads.

The Polymarket is fully stocked. No purchase required.

We’re open to all New Yorkers. A real, physical investment in our community.

The Polymarket’s grand opening is on February 12th @ noon ET. pic.twitter.com/lWKjluOM66

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) February 3, 2026

In addition to the free grocery store, the platform announced a major financial contribution. Polymarket donated $1 million to Food Bank For New York City.

The organization is one of the most prominent groups fighting hunger in the city. The company said the donation aims to strengthen the response to food insecurity.

New York: A City Where Eating Is Becoming Increasingly Expensive

The announcement of the free grocery store comes amid growing concern over food prices. In New York, many families must choose between paying rent, utilities, or filling their refrigerator.

The lack of supermarkets in certain neighborhoods further worsens the problem. In some areas, access to fresh and affordable food remains a daily challenge.

This situation has fueled debate over the role of government and the private sector. Polymarket’s proposal joins other ideas aimed at addressing the crisis.

| The prediction platform Polymarket announces the launch of a “free grocery store” in New York City: “NEW YORK’S FIRST FREE GROCERY STORE.” pic.twitter.com/L2GkDiLlhQ

— UHN Plus (@UHN_Plus) February 3, 2026

Although the free grocery store will be temporary, its symbolic impact is significant. It raises the possibility of alternative models to guarantee access to food.

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The Mayor Mamdani Plan to Transform Food Access

At the same time, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is promoting a structural proposal aimed at long-term change.

His goal is to open at least one municipal supermarket in each borough of the city.

The plan proposes that the government cover rent and operating costs. The stores would sell products at wholesale prices, without seeking profit.

Mamdani has presented the initiative as a public alternative to rising food prices, prioritizing neighborhoods with limited access to full-service supermarkets.

The estimated cost of the program is $60 million. According to the mayor’s campaign, it would be funded by redirecting existing subsidies.

In addition, Mamdani proposes raising taxes on corporations and high-income individuals. The objective is clear: “to meet needs, not maximize profits.”

While the municipal plan remains under debate, Polymarket’s free grocery store will serve as an immediate experiment—and a reminder that even in a city as expensive as New York, new ways to fight hunger are still being explored.