The National Grocers Association (NGA) and the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association are urging Congress and local congressional delegations to take immediate action to reopen the federal government and prevent disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“With funding for access to healthy, nutritious food at risk of running out for the nearly 48 million combined Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the National Grocers Association (NGA) calls on leaders in Congress from both sides of the aisle to find a funding solution that reopens the government as quickly as possible,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO.
“Independent grocers are often the only source of fresh produce, dairy and other nutritious essentials for millions of families, veterans and seniors that rely on federal nutrition assistance to make ends meet. A lapse in funding will disrupt food access, creating instability for shoppers, retailers and communities alike.
“A powerful economic engine for communities big and small, SNAP supports over 388,000 American jobs, generating over $20 billion and $4.5 billion in wages and tax revenue, respectively. NGA urges Congress to act swiftly to ensure continuous funding for SNAP and WIC so that families can continue to put food on the table. Protecting these programs is an investment in the health, stability and well-being of Main Street communities across the country.”
In a letter sent Oct. 21, PFMA President and CEO Alex Baloga warned that delayed November SNAP benefits could create “an operational nightmare” for food retailers and distributors across Pennsylvania. The letter cites a recent USDA directive instructing state agencies to hold November issuance files until further notice due to insufficient federal funding.
“Our members are the backbone of the SNAP delivery system,” Baloga wrote. “A delayed and uncertain benefit issuance schedule would cause supply chain shocks, cash flow problems for small stores and confusion at the register for customers who depend on these benefits to feed their families.”
Baloga emphasized that Pennsylvania’s complex SNAP distribution schedule leaves little room for disruption. A sudden change in benefit timing, he said, would make accurate demand forecasting impossible and could leave shelves bare of fresh foods like produce, dairy and meat.
In a statement following the letter, Baloga added: “SNAP isn’t just a safety net for families, it’s a stabilizing force for local economies. If benefits are delayed, the effects will ripple through every corner of Pennsylvania’s food and beverage industry. Congress must act now to restore operations and protect access to food for millions of people.”
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