Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA), the leading national trade association representing independent supermarket retailers, released the following statement from NGA president & CEO Greg Ferrara:
“Independent grocers are proud to be critical partners in the public-private partnership that powers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The National Grocers Association (NGA) is encouraged by the Senate’s revised approach to SNAP reform, which ensures benefits remain 100 percent federally funded when states maintain low payment error rates. This more measured and practical approach, for which NGA strongly advocated, avoids $80 billion in SNAP changes.
SNAP is not only a vital safety net—it is a powerful economic engine, supporting more than 388,000 jobs across the food industry nationwide.
As the legislative process continues, NGA urges the Senate to strengthen the bill further, reduce its impact on grocers and the families they serve, and preserve funding for SNAP-Ed. This program promotes the long-term health and self-sufficiency of program participants, yielding a high return on investment for American taxpayers.
As we look ahead to supporting the eventual passage of the Big Beautiful Bill Act, independent grocers stand ready to work with Congress to advance solutions that strengthen Main Street and communities nationwide.”
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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.
