Inspired By Zohran Mamdani? Polymarket, Kalshi Roll Out ‘Free Grocery’ Gambits For New Yorkers

Prediction market platforms are competing to distribute free groceries in New York City, in a move reminiscent of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposal for municipality-owned stores.

Polygon (CRYPTO: POL)-based Polymarket said Tuesday it will launch “The Polymarket,” a “fully-stocked” physical store where New Yorkers can get free groceries.

Polymarket said they have signed the lease after months of planning. The store is set for a “grand opening” on Feb. 12.

The Manhattan-based startup has not disclosed the new store’s address. According to Business Insider, it will operate for a limited period, from next Thursday through Sunday.

Don’t Miss:

Polymarket didn’t immediately return Benzinga’s request for confirmation.

Meanwhile, Polymarket announced a $1 million donation to Food Bank For NYC — a nonprofit hunger-relief organization — in addition to opening the store.

After months of planning, we’re excited to announce ‘The Polymarket’ is coming to New York City.

New York’s first free grocery store.

We signed the lease. And we donated $1 million to Food Bank For NYC — an organization that changes how our city responds to hunger. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/BGMCWUMz8n

Trending: Blue-chip art has historically outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, and fractional investing is now opening this institutional asset class to everyday investors.

Kalshi, another prominent prediction market, hosted a free groceries event at Westside Market at 84 3rd Ave on Tuesday, covering up to $50 per person for a limited time.

Note that Kalshi is also headquartered in New York City.

Thousands have already picked up their free Kalshi groceries!

We are being told we’ve already inspired other companies to keep up the initiative!

2 more hours to get yours

Westside Market | 84 3rd Ave. NYC pic.twitter.com/8R11OGODLu

See Also: Wall Street’s $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors — Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen

The announcements echo Mamdani’s mayoral campaign proposal of opening city-owned grocery stores, one in each borough, aimed at delivering fresh, affordable food to regions with limited access to supermarkets.

Kalshi and Polymarket have become the go-to platforms for speculating on anything under the sun, from geopolitics and sports to stock movements, wars, and natural disasters.