Bill Thomspon statement on Costco accepting Food Stamps

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. issued the following statement after Costco Wholesale Corporation announced that it would begin accepting Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, commonly referred to as food stamps, at two of its New York City locations:

“I applaud Costco for responding to concerns about its policy to not accept food stamps. Today’s reversal of that flawed policy is good news for thousands of New Yorkers. I am hopeful that Costco will soon realize the value of this change, and expand this pilot program to include other facilities.

With the upcoming addition of a Costco branch in East Harlem, where tens of thousands of residents currently receive SNAP benefits, Costco’s new policy would be a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Having more options and being able to buy in bulk will allow financially strapped families to stretch their dollars further.

Further, its corporate reputation will surely be improved as it is now joining its competitors in accepting food stamps. This is a win-win for all involved.”

As Chief Investment Officer of the New York City Pension Funds, who collectively hold 1.5 million shares in Costco, Thompson sent a letter to Costco Wholesale Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer James Sinegal calling on the company to accept SNAP payments. Thompson cited the potential reputational risk for Costco and its investors among the reasons to reverse its policy. To view Thompson’s letter, visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov.

We'll be back

Image via Wikipedia

Hello Readers,

One Liners will be back May 19th....Thanks!

Thursday Morning One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

Wal-Mart continues to pursue building a store on a Civil War battle field for some reason.

Gourmet Garage will take the upper west side Balducci's location, they have also made an offer on the 14th St. location. Here's a photo of the sign in the window of the UWS location.

The Upper East Side Informer has more on what this means to the UES.

King Soopers workers reject another contract offer in Colorado.

Meanwhile the companies advertisements for 'temp jobs' drew crowds.

Out in Riverhead Long Island, communities are begging for a Trader Joe's to open.

The Wall Street Journal looks at the strong earnings of Supermarkets.

Senator Harkin is considering a compromise on Employee Free Choice
More here

Monday Morning One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

Kristen Gillibrand was on Long Island this week with Tom Suozzi, she acknowledged King Kullen for buying local products.

UFCW Local 7 files a complaint against their grocery stores.

Progressive Grocer reports they may strike soon.

Politicians are urging Costco to accept food stamps.

NY Times (Nicholas Confessore): Paterson's Order Will Help Unions Trying to Organize

Gov. David A. Paterson has issued an order making it easier for labor unions to organize thousands of workers at some of New York's largest new hotel and convention center projects, including hotels in Niagara Falls and at the Belmont Park racetrack in Nassau County and the expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. The directive, which was signed on April 24 and issued on Friday, will require the operators of projects that receive assistance like loans, tax breaks or property leases from state agencies or public authorities to obtain "labor peace" agreements with unions seeking to organize their workers. Under the agreements, workers would pledge not to strike, boycott or engage in other actions that would disrupt business or deprive the state of revenues.

C&S Wholesale Grocers was the winning bidder in last week’s auction of Bruno’s stores, agreeing to purchase all 56 locations from the retailer it supplies for $48.5 million.

Price Chopper, among a three grocers receiving technology awards this year.

Wal-Mart drops to number 2 on Forbes 500.

Laura Sen, the CEO of BJ's Wholesale Club gives her budget tips in a tough economy.

Politics

Bill Thompson accuses Mike Bloomberg of ducking debates.

GOP announces a candidate to take on Suozzi (Long Island)

Friday's One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

Wild by Nature was recognized for entire approach of sustainability and energy efficiency.

Forbes.com looks at the innovation of Michael Cullen in 1930 in the supermarket industry.

The Nation looks at labor, and all the hats it wears.

Pathmark hosts a saving promotion.

Workers for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, came to the Capitol in Washington today to urge passage of legislation that would make it easier for them to form a union.

Check out more about yesterday's events here.

A Wal-Mart in Minnesota takes steps toward organizing.

Bruno's gets an extension on Final Sale hearing.

And merchants in the city-owned mall beneath the Manhattan Bridge, at 88 East Broadway, have alleged that they are being extorted by the mall's managers, who they say have demanded cash in exchange for leases and lease extensions.

Colorado Updates

King Soopers Inc. and Safeway Inc. will begin advertising Friday to hire replacement workers should unionized workers go on strike after their contract expires May 9.

Safeway Meat workers OK'd a strike.

The CBS affiliate looks at possibilities of a strike.

The Denver Post makes it clear that the companies are ready for temp-job applications.

Business Journal has more on strike preparations.

POLITICO

NY Times sums up the Mayoral Endorsements.

Andrew Lanza is putting finishing touches on a bill to secede Staten Island from New York City.

What does the Specter switch mean for Employee Free Choice?

Related articles by Zemanta

• Nan Aron: The Price of Freedom at Walmart (huffingtonpost.com)