The National Grocers Association (NGA) is leading efforts to express concerns over a Congressional proposal to cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by 20 percent, which will affect food access and America’s workforce.
SNAP provides access to fresh and nutritious food for more than 41 million Americans, including more than 14 million children, 1.2 million veterans and 6.5 million seniors. SNAP funding also supports more than 300,000 American jobs throughout the food supply chain and across the U.S.
From farmers and truckers to local grocers, for every $1 invested in SNAP, $1.79 of economic activity is generated in communities nationwide.
NGA, along with other industry groups, met this week with representatives from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN) to share the independent grocery industry’s perspective on the proposed cuts and their potential impact on millions of low-income Americans and the local grocers who serve them.
“At the heart of every independent grocer across the nation is a simple but powerful belief that no American should go hungry. With this core value in mind, we are urging Congress to limit SNAP funding cuts during the reconciliation process,” said Stephanie Johnson, RDN, a registered dietitian who serves as NGA’s group VP for government relations.
“Independent grocers, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, are essential partners in delivering SNAP benefits. Cutting SNAP would harm the most vulnerable Americans and threaten the viability of community grocery stores that are depended upon by their local economies and neighborhoods.”
In the association’s official issue brief, NGA outlines the economic consequences of reducing SNAP benefits, including weakened local economies and heightened pressure on community grocers already operating with razor-thin margins.
Many independent grocers operate and process SNAP benefits in areas where they are the only fresh food retailer within a reasonable distance. As trusted community and economic anchors, independent grocers play a pivotal role in ensuring their neighbors in need have access to fresh, nutritious food. The proposed drastic cuts would undermine this critical function and jeopardize American jobs.
“NGA proudly recognizes that SNAP is more than an anti-hunger program – it’s an economic engine that supports local businesses, strengthens communities and supports neighbors during times of need,” Johnson added.
NGA supports thoughtful, targeted reforms to SNAP and stands ready to work with Congressional leaders and the Trump Administration to ensure SNAP remains effective and efficient.
[RELATED: NGA Foundation Advisory Group To Assist In Independent Grocers’ SNAP EBT Upgrades]