Sep 22, 2020
By Ted Mason, NGAF TA Center By now, you should be aware of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) incentive programs operating in approximately 1,000 grocery stores across the country through the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (formerly FINI) with funding provided by the USDA. Perhaps you are even contemplating establishing an incentive program for…
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Sep 21, 2020
By: Jim Dudlicek, NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs New Driver Hours of Service Rule: Webinar Key Takeaways The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in May published a final rule updating hours of service (HOS) rules, which made adjustments to existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Scheduled to…
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Sep 16, 2020
By Jim Dudlicek, NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs The coronavirus pandemic challenged grocery retailers faced with providing in-demand products to their shoppers. An overwhelming surge in demand put great pressure on traditional supply chains, compelling grocers to seek out alternative, creative avenues for many products. Solutions included tapping the waylaid foodservice channel, as well…
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Sep 13, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications NGA Supports Regulating CBD as a Dietary Supplement This week, NGA announced its support for bipartisan legislation which would allow hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) to be regulated as dietary supplements. NGA SVP of government relations and counsel, Chris Jones, said the following about the legislation: “NGA members are experiencing…
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Sep 11, 2020
By Molly Pfaffenroth, Director of Government Relations With Americans sheltering in place during the coronavirus pandemic, online shopping has been consumers’ saving grace. And while grocers, deemed essential providers during the crisis, have not been squeezed as much as other merchants, e-commerce has allowed food sellers to give consumers seeking to limit contact outside their…
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Sep 9, 2020
By Patrick Jones, NGA Foundation Technical Assistance Center As demand to expand Online SNAP purchasing increased due to COVID-19, NGA has received numerous questions about the process from retailers. The NGA Foundation’s Technical Assistance (TA) Center specifically received questions on if and how nutrition incentives could be layered onto Online SNAP purchases. To better answer…
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Sep 6, 2020
By Jim Dudlicek, NGA Director of Communications and External Affairs The Democratic and Republican parties recently held their respective nominating conventions, introducing their presidential candidates and party platforms for an election that’s barely two months away. Former Vice President Joe Biden will challenge President Donald Trump among hundreds of local Congressional races in an election…
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Aug 30, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications NGA Announces FDA’s Frank Yiannas to Address Atendees at Virtual Executive Conference in September Yiannas, the current Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response at the FDA, will speak about the future of food safety and government regulation. Additionally, Jonathan Mayes, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and…
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Aug 25, 2020
By Jim Dudlicek, NGA Director of Communications and External Affairs By now, it’s no secret that the pandemic has accelerated the anticipated growth of grocery e-commerce. But are you really reaching all the people you should be? With so many more consumers embracing online shopping, pickup and delivery, along with spending more time on social…
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Aug 24, 2020
By Ted Mason, NGA Foundation Technical Assistance Center My friend and colleague Jimmy Wright, owner of Wright’s Market in Opelika, AL, keeps reminding me and other retailers there is a way for retailers to “Make a dollar and make a difference” by offering SNAP beneficiaries a produce incentive program. Jimmy has been offering a Double…
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Aug 23, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications Grass Valley Grocery Outlet Helps Homeless Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hospitality House – an organization dedicated to assisting homeless people in their county – has seen the amount of food required to complete their mission triple. To help, Grocery Outlet pledged to provide 3,000 meals in August.…
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Aug 20, 2020
By Terence Huie, NGA Manager of Grassroots and PAC California Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) was officially chosen as the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential nominee last night in Wilmington, Delaware. The nomination occurred on the third day of the Democratic National Convention. The DNC was originally scheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but was moved to…
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Aug 18, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications Independent grocers have always given back to their communities, taking the time to participate in food drives, fundraisers, and other charitable causes helping members of their community needing a helping hand. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, while independents are on the front lines, tirelessly serving communities across the…
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Aug 16, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications NGA and FMS Release 2020 Independent Grocers Financial Survey This week, NGA and FMS released the 2020 Independent Grocers Financial Survey, a joint study which determined 2019 was a strong year for independents. “Alongside the important role in feeding America’s communities, the current pandemic has illustrated the agility…
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Aug 13, 2020
By Terence Huie, NGA Manager of Grassroots and PAC As Congress takes a break from negotiations on the next federal coronavirus relief package, Members are back home and want to hear from their constituents. This is a great opportunity for your representatives in Washington to tour (virtually or in-person) stores, operations, and facilities in their district and hear from you about the four priorities of…
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Aug 11, 2020
By Jim Dudlicek, Director, Communications and External Affairs The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the adoption of e-commerce. Suddenly desiring a touchless retail experience, consumers have rapidly warmed up to e-comm shopping solutions. Almost overnight, many independent supermarkets without e-commerce solutions had to launch online platforms and establish pickup and delivery infrastructures to meet consumer demand.…
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Aug 9, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications NGA Reveals Education Lineup for Executive Conference The lineup includes speakers from the arenas of grocery retailing and wholesaling, CPG, technology and consulting. Sessions focus on issues key to doing business in the current marketplace, from ecommerce fulfillment and supply chain to category marketing and health and wellness,…
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Aug 5, 2020
By Ted Mason, NGA Foundation Technical Assistance Center If anyone is still unsure about the value of SNAP incentives to food-insecure consumers and grocery retailers, look no further than Kentucky’s Manchester IGA, where they’re doubling down on their commitment to the program. “Participation in the program is a point of differentiation from other area food…
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Jul 29, 2020
By Jim Dudlicek, NGA Director, Communications and External Affairs The brick-and-mortar grocery shopping experience will eventually emerge from the depths of the pandemic and once again offer customers the sights, smells and tastes that have been curtailed by social distancing, sheltering in place and other safety precautions. But if the COVID-19 crisis has taught food…
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Jul 26, 2020
By Eric Payne, NGA Manager of Communications NGA Backs Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Frontline Workers Earlier this week, NGA released a statement applauding the introduction of the FRNT LINE Act, authored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), which would provide payroll and income tax relief for essential workers, such as grocery industry associates that have continued serving their communities…
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