In June, the independent grocery industry came together in force for the 2025 NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, where fresh food innovation met community commitment.
From fresh-forward merchandising strategies to discussions about food safety, traceability and technology, the summit underscored what independent grocers already know – fresh food is not only a driver of growth but also of health and community well-being.
Nowhere is that more apparent than in the role independent grocers play in administering and advancing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and its associated nutrition incentive programs.
In today’s United States, no American should go hungry. That is a value shared by the independent grocery sector and one that often gets lost in partisan debates.
For more than 40 million Americans – including children, seniors, veterans and working families – SNAP is a lifeline. It provides access to nutritious food while generating significant local economic activity.
Independent grocers are key players in this system, turning public investment into real impact on shelves and at checkout counters every single day.
But SNAP is more than a benefit. It is an opportunity, especially when paired with incentive programs like GusNIP, which provide additional funds for buying fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy products. These programs not only help SNAP households eat healthier, they help retailers grow their fresh departments, improve inventory turnover and build customer loyalty.
According to the USDA, nutrition incentive programs injected $41 million into local economies in one year alone, all while delivering measurable improvements in dietary quality and health outcomes for participants.
Incentives work best when they are implemented by trusted community grocers who know their customers and understand local preferences. That is why the expansion of these programs is so important.
For instance, a dairy incentive pilot that began in two states in 2020 has expanded to 30 states and more than 1,100 stores, helping more than 340,000 people buy low-fat and nonfat milk. That is a win for public health and a win for the retailers serving these communities.
Independent grocers go above and beyond by offering dietitian-backed meal planning, in-store education and personalized service. More than 80 percent of independent operators incorporate nutrition education into their offerings, and many are working with partners to integrate SNAP incentives into loyalty platforms. This makes it easier for customers to stretch their dollars and improve their diets.
At a time when policymakers are evaluating the future of SNAP, nutrition incentive programs continue to stand out. Every dollar invested in SNAP generates up to $2 in local economic activity, supporting jobs, strengthening supply chains and helping reduce long-term healthcare costs, which makes SNAP and incentive programs wise investments for taxpayers and practical solutions for policymakers.
The NGA Fresh Summit showcased the power of innovation in fresh and the indispensable role of independent grocers in building healthier communities.
As we look ahead, we urge Congress and the administration to preserve and expand SNAP incentive programs, pass bipartisan legislation to broaden fresh food options and continue recognizing independent grocers as essential partners in feeding and nourishing the nation.
Fresh thinking is not just good business; it’s good policy.
[RELATED: NGA Fresh Summit 2025 Features Innovation, Industry Insight]