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.
The statement was issued by Stephanie Johnson, NGA head of government affairs, who emphasized the role of independent grocers in delivering nutritious food access across the country.
Johnson said the standards reinforce SNAP’s longstanding role as a public-private partnership and help ensure participants can access a broad range of food options.
“The National Grocers Association (NGA) welcomes USDA’s final stocking standards, which reinforce the importance of access to a broad range of real foods. SNAP remains a highly effective public-private partnership, and these standards help ensure participants can obtain nutritious options in communities across the country,” Johnson said.
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.
“Independent grocers play a critical role in delivering these foods, particularly in rural and high-cost areas where access might otherwise 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,” Johnson said.
Call for continued collaboration
Johnson urged USDA to work with retailers as the standards move into implementation and called on Congress to expand existing nutrition incentive programs.
“As USDA moves forward with implementation, NGA encourages continued collaboration with retailers to ensure the standards are workable across all stores and regions,” Johnson said. “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.”
About NGA
The National Grocers Association is the association representing the 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.
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