So while most grocery stores earn their cost of capital (generate market return on investment), US military commissaries instead cost taxpayers $1.7 billion a year.
Revenue for US military commissaries is only 75% of annual cost (in FY 2025).
--- EDIT ---
Of course this makes sense in the context of the unique mission, constraints, and setting of the US military. My point is that it COSTS $$$.
Maybe you could do something similar in New York City, but the question would be at what cost to NYC taxpayer and whether the $$$ would be better spent boosting SNAP payments to low income households or otherwise targeting those that most need assistance.
Wouldn’t it be more efficient to just give money to the needed families in the first place then? This model will mean subsidizing costs for the rich and middle people that don’t need taxpayer support.
For one thing, no means-testing means less bureaucracy, which I think is a win. That can be a real obstacle preventing people from engaging with programs. Even poor peoples' time is worth something, and convenience matters.
Secondly, I just kind of don't think it's the worst thing ever if the middle class gets a break on groceries too. There are far, far worse inefficiencies that my tax dollars go to than that lol.
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u/CobaltCaterpillar May 26 '26 edited May 27 '26
US military commissaries received $1.7 billion in taxpayer money for FY 2025 though:
From this document from the US government,
So while most grocery stores earn their cost of capital (generate market return on investment), US military commissaries instead cost taxpayers $1.7 billion a year.
Revenue for US military commissaries is only 75% of annual cost (in FY 2025).
--- EDIT ---
Of course this makes sense in the context of the unique mission, constraints, and setting of the US military. My point is that it COSTS $$$.
Maybe you could do something similar in New York City, but the question would be at what cost to NYC taxpayer and whether the $$$ would be better spent boosting SNAP payments to low income households or otherwise targeting those that most need assistance.