Chair of House Agriculture Committee discussed solutions to challenges facing independent grocers
Selinsgrove, PA – Weis Markets in Selinsgrove, PA, recently hosted U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson for a store tour that provided a firsthand look at store operations and an opportunity for the leadership of Weis Markets to discuss issues impacting independent grocers with the House Agriculture Committee chair. The tour was organized by the National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent grocery industry.
“With so many pressing issues impacting independent grocers being discussed in the halls of Congress, we were excited to facilitate this meeting between Rep. Thompson and members of the Weis Markets team who are doing extraordinary work for their community,” said Stephanie Johnson, VP of government relations . “As deliberations continue on Capitol Hill on the 2023 Farm Bill, it’s critical for leaders like Rep. Thompson to hear from grocers that are tapped into their community and know what it takes to keep Americans fed with healthy food and fresh produce. We look forward to continuing discussions with Rep. Thompson to advance the interests of grocers at the heart of communities across the Keystone State and the rest of the United States.”
This store tour was critical to highlighting the needs of independent grocers for the Farm Bill. Weis representatives and Chairman Thompson discussed issues like SNAP choice, emergency allotments and the Thrifty Food Plan. NGA last month sent a full list of priorities to the Congressional Agriculture Committee.
NGA frequently assists its members in hosting tours of their grocery stores or distribution centers to provide lawmakers with a firsthand look at day-to-day operations. Last year, NGA members held a record number of store tours throughout the country focused on issues impacting independent grocers such as antitrust reform and excessive credit card swipe fees.
“Weis Markets has been a long-time staple of independent grocery stores in Central Pennsylvania. It was a pleasure to visit the Selinsgrove location and discuss key issues affecting the industry,” Thompson said. “I appreciated the opportunity to connect with the hard-working men and women who are the last stop in the agriculture supply chain before the family dinner table. Their feedback and input is critical to passing a Farm Bill that meets the needs of all Americans.”
Thompson, a life-long resident of Howard, PA, represents Pennsylvania’s 15th congressional district. Last month, he was elected chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress. Thompson has been a consistent champion of independent grocers in Washington, D.C., fighting for policies that benefit community –based businesses.
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Photos from the event:
Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4
About NGA
NGA is the national trade 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. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. 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. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.
