NGA Statement on SNAP Task Force Proposal

March 12, 2018

Arlington, VA (Monday, March 12) – The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, released the following statement from Greg Ferrara, NGA EVP of Advocacy, Public Relations, and Member Services in response to the Bipartisan Policy Center’s (BPC) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Task Force recommendations:

“America’s independent supermarket operators have long been partners with federal and state government entities in the SNAP food delivery system, efficiently serving millions of low-income households, including families with children, the elderly, and disabled.

“We are concerned with any proposal that would limit consumer choice in the marketplace and put new administrative burdens and fees onto retailers, who survive on 1-2 percent average profit margins. In addition to paying $70 billion a year in credit card interchange fees, retailers take on large equipment, compliance, and training expenses to participate in the SNAP program. Adding further costs would harm the ability of Main Street grocers to serve local communities and low-income populations.

“On behalf of the independent supermarket industry, we look forward to working with various stakeholders to improve the SNAP program and ultimately the lives of those Americans who are currently living in poverty.”