If things go just so, New York State could soon get not just marriage equality, we could also catch up with 35 other states in the Union and let you pick up a bottle of red when you buy your bread and butter. Not only are there currently bills working through Albany with bi-partisan support, such a move has support from almost all New Yorkers, according to a new Siena poll [PDF]. Well, except for two groups that don't normally agree. more ›

Despite the fact that you can buy wine and groceries on Fresh Direct and in 35 other states, you still can't do so in New York—public support be damned. Still, lawmakers are once again trying to make liquor store owners here miserable by introducing legislation that would finally let you buy vino at the Met (while throwing a few bones to the liquor stores). The issue could possibly come to a vote in the next month. more ›

Talk of selling wine in grocery stores has been going on for a while, with Governor Paterson supporting the move as a means to raise revenue for our depleted deficit. Liquor stores may not be behind his bill, but who else amongst us doesn't want the convenience of stocking up on Franzia when loading up the shopping cart? Besides, Fresh Direct and 35 other states are happy to serve up wine with your groceries. Well, according to the Daily Politics, advocates for the sale of wine in grocery stores have taken to the internet with a new ad campaign. more ›

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand proposed $1 billion in grants and loans yesterday for her "Healthy Food Financing Initiative," aimed at building grocery stores in areas that lack access to fresh food. AP reports that the measure would try to help almost four million New York residents living in "food deserts" by providing startup grants for 350 new grocery stores statewide. She said, "By building new grocery stores in underserved areas across the state we can give people the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives, save billions in health care costs, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs." more ›

If the outer boroughs aren't willing to come into the city for their Whole Foods, then the city is making sure it finds a way to get Whole Foods into the outer boroughs. Yesterday the City Planning Commission approved a plan to encourage grocery stores with fresh produce, meats and dairy to expand into poorer areas by allowing them to sidestep existing zoning and development regulations. Supporters of the plan say it would encourage gentrification to continue its sweep across the boroughs. more ›

Fresh on the heels of news that Trader Joe's is set to invade Chelsea, word is that the TJ's sister-slash-superstore, ALDI, will be opening in Queens. The Voice talks to a "supermarket consultant" who tells them to expect a dozen more ALDI locations to follow. The Wegmans count for the five boroughs sadly remains at zero. more ›

An effort to get more fresh fruit and vegetables into the hands of poorer and allegedly under-served communities is being fought today by bodega and supermarket owners, who feel that a proposed 1,500 new street vendor licenses will cut into their business. Backers of the new licenses include City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg, who cooperated in introducing the "Green Cart" plan, which will issue licenses to vendors who commit to serving fresh fruit and vegetables in poorer communities. more ›