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“Small grocers provide a unique access point to ensure that those who are food insecure can purchase healthy foods and fresh produce,” Rep. Meng wrote.
By Forum Staff
The next coronavirus relief bill must provide critical and needed assistance for bodegas, ethnic grocery stores, and small independent supermarkets, many of which are located throughout the five boroughs, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) wrote Thursday in a letter to leaders of the House of Representatives.
“Small grocers provide a unique access point to ensure that those who are food insecure can purchase healthy foods and fresh produce,” Meng wrote in her missive, which was signed by 12 other New York members of Congress. “While major grocery chains are struggling to keep up with panic buying of toilet paper, paper towels, and other staples, New Yorkers are turning to their community stores for these critical supplies.”
Meng seeks direct help for these establishments by requesting grants for refrigeration units, connections with farms, hazard pay for frontline employees, and exempting wages from federal income taxes. Her correspondence also seeks assistance for members of the public who shop at these retailers which would in-turn help those businesses. These requests include increased funding for food assistance, providing stimulus checks to individuals with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, and allowing unemployment insurance regardless of citizenship status.
“New York City has approximately 13,000 bodegas, ethnic grocery stores, and other small independent supermarkets,” Meng said. “They serve a critical need for many communities in Queens and across New York City and cater to specific cultural food preferences for the neighborhoods they serve. They too are feeling the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis and deserve relief. We must not forget about them as Congress prepares to work on its next stimulus package.”
