The National Grocers Association (NGA) has issued a statement on the implementation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver policies, emphasizing the need for clarity as states begin applying new rules that affect what foods can be purchased with SNAP benefits.
In recent months, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved state waivers that allow certain restrictions on SNAP-eligible purchases, permitting participating states to limit the use of SNAP funds for items such as sugary drinks, candy and other products deemed less nutritious. These waivers are part of a broader effort within federal policy to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier food options.
According to NGA, independent grocers are committed to supporting SNAP’s goals of food security and access to nutritious foods, but they caution that inconsistent or unclear waiver implementation could undermine program effectiveness and create operational challenges at retail. In its statement, NGA highlighted the importance of ensuring that grocers can successfully comply with evolving SNAP rules without disrupting access for beneficiaries.
NGA’s advocacy around SNAP waivers builds on earlier industry analysis showing that restrictions and waiver-driven changes could create significant compliance costs and complexities for grocery operators, particularly smaller and independent stores that may lack the resources of larger chains. Industry trade groups, including NGA, have urged USDA and state agencies to provide clear guidance, sufficient training and strong communication to help retailers navigate changes to SNAP eligibility and avoid confusion at checkout.
The association also underscored the need for policymakers to consider the real operational impacts of waiver execution on independent grocers, many of which serve as critical access points for SNAP participants in rural and underserved communities. NGA’s position reflects broader industry advocacy on SNAP policy, which balances public-health objectives with maintaining the program’s role as a safety net for low-income families and a stable source of grocery sales for independent retailers.
As SNAP waiver implementation proceeds into 2026 in multiple states, NGA said it will continue to work with USDA, state partners and industry peers to promote predictability, clarity and fairness in policy execution so that SNAP remains an efficient and effective support for both consumers and the grocery businesses that serve them.
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