A study conducted for the Mayor's Food Policy Taskforce by New York City Departments of Health and City Planning and the New York City Economic Development Corp. shows that many neighborhoods across the city are underserved by grocery stores. The resulting lack of nutritious, affordable fresh food in these neighborhoods has been linked to higher rates of diet-related diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

In response, the City has established the Food Retail Expansion to Support Health (FRESH) Food Stores program. FRESH provides zoning and financial incentives for the establishment and retention of neighborhood grocery stores in underserved communities in Northern Manhattan, the South Bronx, Central Brooklyn and Jamaica, Queens.

The program is open to grocery store operators renovating existing retail space, or developers seeking to construct or renovate retail space that will be leased by a full-line grocery store operator. Stores that benefit from the program must meet the following provisions:

1. Provide a minimum of 6,000 square feet of retail space for a general line of food and nonfood grocery products intended for home preparation, consumption and utilization;
2. Provide at least 50 percent of a general line of food products intended for home preparation, consumption and utilization;
3. Provide at least 30 percent of retail space for perishable goods that include dairy, fresh produce, fresh meats, poultry, fish and frozen foods; and
4. Provide at least 500 square feet of retail space for fresh produce.

The program, a joint effort on behalf of the Department of City Planning and the New York City Economic Development Corp. offers an array of incentives for potential and existing developers and operators. Program benefits include:

1. Zoning Incentives*
   • Additional Floor Area in Mixed Residential and Commercial Buildings
   • Reduction in Required Parking
   • Larger As-of-right Stores in Light Manufacturing Districts
   Learn more about the Zoning Incentives
   
   *Please note, zoning incentives are subject to a public approvals process before the details are final and the incentives are available to developers and operators.
   
   
2. NYCIDA Financial Incentives
   • Real Estate Tax Reductions
   • Sales Tax Exemption
   • Mortgage Recording Tax Deferral
   Learn more about the Financial Incentives for grocery store operators
   Learn more about the Financial Incentives for developers
   

Stores already operating or planning to open in the following areas may be eligible for the FRESH Food Stores program:

Other Incentives
NYSERDA
Grocery store operators and developers can independently access energy efficiency benefits through programs offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Learn more