The National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association have praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act” (HR 2853), calling the bipartisan measure a critical tool in the fight against theft rings that are squeezing independent grocers.
In a letter of support sent to the House ahead of the vote, the association detailed how rising organized retail crime (ORC), combined with increased spending on security and loss prevention, is creating an unsustainable burden for Main Street food retailers.
“Organized retail crime threatens employees, raises costs for consumers, disrupts local businesses and puts additional pressure on independent grocers who navigate success on razor-thin margins,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA’s SVP and head of government affairs.
“Main Street grocers are essential community businesses, and this legislation provides stronger tools and coordination to help law enforcement crack down on sophisticated theft operations targeting retailers and supply chains.”
The legislation aims to bolster cooperation across federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. A key component is the establishment of a new organized retail and supply chain crime coordination center, designed to dismantle sophisticated theft rings that have increasingly targeted grocery supply chains and retail floors.
NGA noted that beyond the financial toll, ORC creates serious safety concerns for grocery employees and shoppers. The association’s letter to the House emphasized that these crimes place “additional strain on Main Street businesses working every day to serve their communities.”
Max Wengroff, NGA senior manager of government affairs, expressed appreciation for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who recognized the unique vulnerability of independent grocers.
“NGA appreciates lawmakers for recognizing the serious impact organized retail crime is having on independent grocers, their employees, and the communities they serve,” Wengroff said.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. The independent grocery sector, which accounts for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and generates more than $250 billion in annual sales, continues to push for further federal action to stem the rise of ORC.
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“FMI applauds the House of Representatives for passage of the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which takes important action to designate organized retail and supply chain crime, including cargo theft, as a federal crime,” said FMI Chief Public Policy Officer Jennifer Hatcher.
“This legislation will help ensure the safety of customers and associates and reduce the impact of theft on grocery prices. We call on the Senate to follow suit and pass CORCA in short order to send to President Trump’s desk.
“This congressional action is welcome news at FMI’s annual Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference being held this week. FMI’s Asset Protection Council and Violence Preparedness Committee work with industry partners, law enforcement, community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent, mitigate and address crimes and threats in order to enhance safety.
“Enactment of CORCA would provide much needed federal support to these efforts.”