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Eater: ‘If You Eat Food in New York City, the Cost Is Going To Go Up’

Congestion pricing sparks outcry from NYC food businesses

by Melissa McCart and Andrea Strong Dec 16, 2024, 4:57pm EST


Not everyone based in the five boroughs is for congestion pricing, designed to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and fund public transportation: The toll that starts January 5 will require vehicles entering below 60th Street to pay $9 per day per car, and up to $21.60 per entry, in the case of trucks. In response to the impending deadline, a coalition of over 100 food distributors, restaurateurs, trade associations, wholesale markets, food banks, and small businesses joined together to urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to exempt food and beverage distributors based within the five boroughs.


Their biggest argument is that the plan will raise prices throughout the supply chain. “If you eat food in New York City” at restaurants, grocery stores, or food pantries, “the cost is going to go up,” says Margaret Magnarelli, vice president of marketing for Baldor, a major food purveyor that’s leading the coalition. Baldor’s intention is to try to absorb as much as they can, Magnarelli says, but since the multiple tolls per day will hit every truck across the distribution chain, the cost of food in NYC is going to go up.


New Yorkers already pay high prices for dining out, driven by rising ingredient costs, fair wages, and steep rents. Restaurants like Harlem’s Contento and Carroll Gardens’ Buttermilk Channel have recently closed due to rising costs, they say. Industry leaders warn prices will rise further, dealing another blow to the industry and diners.


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