The National Grocers Association supports provisions in the House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill text to modernize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, strengthen program integrity and expand food access, the Washington, D.C.-based trade association announced Feb. 13.
The legislation includes a five-year ban on EBT transaction fees, improvements to the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, permanent nationwide SNAP online purchasing and EBT modernization efforts including chip-enabled cards and fraud-prevention tools.
EBT Fee ban
“Independent grocers operate on razor-thin margins, and transaction fees on SNAP purchases have long threatened to impose detrimental costs on the very stores that serve as the backbone of food access in rural and low-income communities,” said Stephanie Johnson, group VP of government relations at NGA.
“We appreciate Congress’s budgetary constraints and are thankful for the inclusion of the five-year ban on EBT fees. We remain committed to working with lawmakers to permanently eliminate these fees so grocers can continue serving families without being penalized for participating in a critical federal nutrition program.”
Nutrition Incentive program changes
The legislation makes improvements to the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program by allowing incentives to be used on frozen fruits and vegetables and reducing the required match in high-poverty areas. The changes will expand year-round access to nutritious foods while making it less burdensome for independent grocers in economically distressed communities to participate.
Online purchasing permanence
NGA supports language making SNAP online purchasing permanent nationwide. Online access is essential for seniors, families with young children and individuals with disabilities. Providing clarity and permanence ensures retailers can invest confidently in technology and infrastructure that meet modern shopping needs.
EBT modernization
The bill advances EBT modernization efforts, including the transition to chip-enabled cards and stronger fraud-prevention tools to fight EBT skimming. Safeguarding SNAP benefits against fraud protects both recipients and taxpayers and gives retailers the certainty they need to operate securely.
“Independent grocers are proud to serve as trusted SNAP partners on Main Street, often as the only full-service food store in their communities,” Johnson added.
“These provisions strengthen the program by enhancing accountability, expanding access to fresh and nutritious options, and supporting the critical work local grocers do to keep communities fed. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to advance reforms that build a more secure, modern and accessible nutrition system for years to come.”
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