The National Grocers Association and FMI – The Food Industry Association welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm Bill, with both organizations citing provisions that protect retailers from fees and expand access to nutritious food.
The bill includes a permanent ban on EBT processing fees for retailers, makes the SNAP online purchasing pilot permanent nationwide and broadens the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program to include additional forms of fruits and vegetables.
NGA highlights wins for independent grocers
NGA appreciated efforts made by congressional leaders to reject proposals that would have imposed new restrictions on certain foods in SNAP before the current state-led waiver pilot programs could be implemented.
While NGA shares the goal of improving nutrition outcomes, several states are actively testing restriction policies under USDA-approved waivers. Evaluating those pilots is essential to crafting future nutrition policies that are workable for retailers and grounded in evidence.
Stephanie Johnson, NGA’s group VP of government relations, said the EBT fee provision is critical for the small operators NGA represents.
“Independent grocers operate on razor-thin margins, and transaction fees on SNAP purchases have threatened to impose detrimental costs on the very stores that serve as the backbone of food access in rural and low-income communities,” Johnson said. “We are grateful for the inclusion of the permanent ban on EBT fees and remain committed to working with the Senate to ensure this provision is included in the final bill.”
FMI calls for a modern, bipartisan bill
Jennifer Hatcher, FMI chief public policy officer, framed the legislation as essential infrastructure for the broader food system.
“The Farm Bill has long served as a cornerstone of our nation’s food and agriculture policy. At a time of ongoing economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges, it is critical that Congress work collaboratively to deliver a modern, bipartisan Farm Bill that provides stability and certainty across the food supply chain, while also supporting nutrition programs, promoting agricultural innovation, strengthening rural economies, and keeping food affordable and accessible for all Americans,” Hatcher said.
Hatcher emphasized FMI’s role as a private sector partner to the government in the administration of nutrition programs.
“As private sector partners with the federal government and critical access points for SNAP participants, FMI and its grocery members are committed to strengthening the integrity and efficiency of nutrition programs for millions of customers in every community,” Hatcher said.
“We applaud the House for including bipartisan provisions to make the SNAP online pilot program permanent, provide a permanent extension of the prohibition on state and contractor EBT processing fees for retailers, and broaden the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to include additional forms of fruits and vegetables.”
Strengthening nutrition incentives
The final bill strengthens the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program by allowing incentives on frozen fruits and vegetables and reducing the required match in high-poverty areas. NGA characterized that approach as a far more constructive path to better nutrition outcomes than untested federal restrictions.
Making SNAP online purchasing permanent nationwide also gives retailers the certainty to invest in technology that serves American families, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Looking toward the senate
As the Farm Bill advances to the Senate, NGA is optimistic the final legislation will include long-overdue EBT modernization, including chip-enabled cards and stronger tools to fight EBT skimming fraud.
These provisions will only strengthen the program by enhancing accountability and supporting the critical work local grocers do to keep communities fed. NGA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress to include these key reforms that build a more secure, modern and accessible nutrition system.
“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 said. “By advancing this Farm Bill, Congress has chosen a path that strengthens the program, expands access to nutritious options, and respects the pilots still being conducted in the states.”
Hatcher echoed the call for continued bipartisan collaboration as the bill moves through the legislative process.
“FMI looks forward to working with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure final enactment of a Farm Bill that meets the needs of the entire food industry and the consumers we serve,” Hatcher said.
[RELATED: NGA Urges Congress To Reject New SNAP Restrictions In Farm Bill]