Julie Miro Wenger, executive director of the Delaware Food Industry Council, spoke with The Griffin Report about the busy year she and her members have had. Many challenges have arisen over the past 12-plus months, as a new administration has made some sweeping changes that affect the industry. But the state’s grocers, as is their habit, have stayed resilient, she said.
We’re coming out of a year that saw a new administration in the White House, a government shutdown (including SNAP delays), new tariffs, immigration enforcement, etc. What impacts did these have on your members and the Delaware grocery industry as a whole?
Over the past year, the combination of the new federal administration, a government shutdown, SNAP delays, tariff changes and heightened immigration enforcement created significant operational and economic uncertainty for Delaware’s grocery industry.
SNAP delays during the shutdown had an immediate and measurable impact. Grocers operate on extremely thin margins, and when benefits are delayed, families understandably reduce or postpone purchases. That creates sudden drops in foot traffic and sales volume, particularly in neighborhoods where SNAP represents a significant share of food purchasing.
While retailers worked hard to support customers during that period, the uncertainty placed strain on both households and store operators. The state of Delaware was very helpful in distributing state funds during the shutdown, which helped mitigate some of the strain on households and retailers.
Tariffs also added cost pressures across the supply chain. Many grocery items – from fresh produce to packaged goods, aluminum products and equipment parts – are affected by global trade policies. Even when tariffs don’t apply directly to food, they increase transportation, packaging and equipment costs. In an industry with margins often between 1-3 percent, those added costs are difficult to absorb and ultimately contribute to price pressure for consumers.
Immigration enforcement actions have had workforce implications. The grocery industry relies on a diverse labor force across retail operations, distribution centers, food production and agriculture. Heightened enforcement and uncertainty can disrupt staffing stability, increase turnover and add recruitment challenges – especially in departments like meat cutting, prepared foods, warehousing and logistics.
More broadly, economic uncertainty impacts consumer confidence. When families are unsure about government stability, benefit timing, employment or rising costs, they shift spending patterns. That leads to more price sensitivity, increased demand for private-label goods and tighter household budgets – trends we’ve seen reflected across Delaware stores.
Despite these challenges, Delaware grocers have remained resilient. Independent and chain operators alike have focused on maintaining food access, supporting their employees and keeping shelves stocked. But the cumulative effect of policy shifts, cost volatility and benefit disruptions underscores how interconnected federal policy decisions are with local food access and retail stability.
What are your top grocery-related legislative concerns in 2026?
In 2026, our top legislative concerns center on affordability, workforce stability and operational sustainability.
First, food affordability remains the No. 1 priority. Any policy changes – whether related to SNAP administration, packaging mandates, taxes or new fees – ultimately affect food prices. Grocers operate on very thin margins, so cumulative mandates can translate into higher costs for Delaware families.
Second, labor legislation continues to be significant. Minimum wage increases, paid leave requirements and scheduling mandates all have real impacts on staffing models, especially for grocers. We support strong workplaces, but policies need to reflect the economic realities of food retail.
We’re also interested in organized retail theft legislation. Grocery stores are community anchors, and we need tools that protect employees and customers while addressing rising theft challenges.
Finally, environmental proposals like packaging and mandates are important conversations, but they need to be practical and workable inside a grocery store footprint.
At the end of the day, our focus is simple: keep food accessible, keep stores viable and avoid policies that unintentionally drive up costs for Delaware families.
Redner’s is opening a new store in Wilmington; are there new grocery stores under construction or planned in Delaware that you are aware of?
Yes, we’re seeing strategic investment in Delaware’s grocery market.
Redner’s is planning a new 52,000-square-foot store at the former Acme site in Kirkwood Plaza in Wilmington (see related article on page 6), which is a significant reinvestment in that corridor.
Weis Markets also recently opened a new 64,000-square-foot location in the Bayberry Town Center near Middletown, serving one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.
Lidl also is opening a new store in northern New Castle County.
More broadly, growth is concentrated in areas experiencing residential expansion, particularly in southern New Castle County and Sussex County. What we’re seeing isn’t rapid, statewide expansion – it’s targeted development based on population trends and long-term sustainability.
Even when we’re not talking about brand-new builds, many operators are investing heavily in remodels, technology upgrades and store enhancements. That continued investment reflects confidence in Delaware’s market, while also recognizing that today’s development decisions are very data-driven and cost-conscious.
Are there areas of the state where stores are closing? Are food deserts a major concern in Delaware?
We’re not seeing widespread store closures across Delaware, but when a single store closes, particularly in a smaller town or an urban neighborhood, the impact can be significant.
Food access is a concern in certain pockets of the state. In parts of Wilmington, affordability and transportation can create barriers. In more rural areas of Kent and Sussex counties, distance is often the challenge.
Delaware’s size helps, but sustaining stores in underserved areas requires stable demand, workforce availability and manageable operating costs. Grocers want to serve every community, but long-term viability has to be part of the equation.
We are encouraged by the Rural Health Grant Delaware recently received. This will help with access to healthcare, including pharmacies in some of our most rural areas.
What are the current population and employment numbers and trends in your state?
Delaware’s population is now just over 1 million residents, and we continue to see steady growth, particularly in Sussex County, which remains the fastest-growing part of the state. Kent County is also expanding, while New Castle County growth is more gradual but stable.
On the employment side, Delaware has roughly 490,000 to 500,000 nonfarm jobs, with unemployment hovering around 4 percent – near historic lows. Healthcare, construction and service industries are leading growth.
One of the biggest challenges right now isn’t job creation, it’s workforce availability, as many employers continue to face hiring pressures in a tight labor market.
Anything else we need to know as we’re updating our readers on the market or your association?
One thing readers should understand is that grocery stores are economic anchors. They employ thousands of Delawareans, serve every community in the state and operate on very thin margins.
Policy decisions at every level – from labor to environmental regulation – directly impact food prices and store viability. DFIC’s focus is making sure Delaware families continue to have reliable, affordable access to food while keeping our members strong and competitive.
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