As part of the California Grocers Association’s (CGA) work with Gov. Gavin Newsom and labor advocates, the association pressed Newsom to provide relief from CRV redemption requirements and flexibility in terms of grocery bag policies.
On April 23, Newsom suspended regulations requiring grocer participation in the CRV redemption program and the statewide ban on single-use bags by signing a new executive order.
This executive action allows retailers to issue reusable bags free of charge at the point of purchase or when it is not feasible to provide a reusable bag or recycled paper bag, allows grocers to issue single-use bags.
Local jurisdictions with existing bag ordinances grandfathered in by state law are not subject to the order and can be enforced by the city or county. CGA is communicating with these municipalities to have them adopt a similar suspension.
The executive order will be in effect for 60 days and CGA says it represents a significant victory for the industry, which has long sought recycling relief, and more recently, flexibility on bags due to supply-chain issues and concerns for employee safety.
CGA also updated retailers on the Online SNAP program. With California having been approved for the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, retailers now have the opportunity to apply for inclusion in the online program with the USDA.
The requirements for participation can be found here.
Also, CGA says Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the city is now providing free Covid-19 testing to all critical workers, including grocery workers (including asymptomatic people).
Retailers who have employees in the City of Los Angeles who would like to be tested should have them visit this website.
