The National Grocers Association (NGA) released a statement welcoming the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s final stocking standards for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Stephanie Johnson, NGA head of government affairs, emphasized the role of independent grocers in delivering nutritious food access across the country.
“[The standards] reinforce the importance of access to a broad range of real foods,” she said. “SNAP remains a highly effective public-private partnership, and these standards help ensure participants can obtain nutritious options in communities across the country.”
Role of independent grocers
Johnson highlighted the role independent grocers play in delivering food access, particularly in rural and high-cost areas where options may be limited.
“Rooted in the communities they serve, community grocers participating in SNAP prioritize choice, quality and service, and are essential to maintaining a strong and accessible food supply chain,” she said.
Call for continued collaboration
Johnson urged the USDA to work with retailers as the standards move into implementation and called on Congress to expand nutrition incentive programs.
“At the same time, Congress and USDA should build on this progress by expanding proven programs like Double Up Food Bucks and GusNIP, which further incentivize healthy eating and increase access to fresh, locally sourced foods,” she said.
About NGA
The National Grocers Association represents retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats.
NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers.
[RELATED: NGA, FMI Welcome House Passage Of Farm Bill]