Polymarket opens New York’s ‘first free grocery store’

Polymarket has officially announced ‘New York’s first free grocery store,’ which will open on February 12.

The company shared the news through a series of posts on X, first writing: “After months of planning, we’re excited to announce ‘The Polymarket’ is coming to New York City. New York’s first free grocery store.”

They then expanded on this, by saying they’ve already signed the lease and donated $1 million to Food Bank For NYC. They describe this as being part of their mission of giving back to the city they call home.

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

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) February 3, 2026

The store is fully stocked and open to all New Yorkers, with no purchase required. “A real, physical investment in our community. The Polymarket’s grand opening is on February 12th @ noon ET.”

When someone in the replies asked how this helps Polymarket’s users, the company replied with “it helps the city in which we call home.” Also in replies to followers, they confirmed they had broken ground with construction last month.

When replying to people, they say the $1 million donation is in addition to The Polymarket free grocery store and they’ve also said people can join them in donating through a Food Bank for NYC link.

Polymarket and Kalshi offer free groceries in New York

The timing of the announcement comes just as prediction market competitor Kalshi began to opt for a similar approach, as the prediction market company gave away free groceries worth up to $50 at West Side Market on Third Avenue.

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

— Kalshi (@Kalshi) February 3, 2026

The company made an X post announcing the move with: “F it. Free groceries for everyone. Tomorrow 12pm…”

While the news appeared to have gone down well with people in the area, as people shared on social media that the line was snaking down 12th Street, many people replied to the tweet suggesting the company had copied Polymarket. However, it’s not known for how long Kalshi was planning to give away groceries.

Featured Image: Polymarket on X

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