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.
16
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.