Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, issued the following statement from NGA President & CEO Greg Ferrara on the need to reopen the government and fund SNAP and WIC:
“In less than three days, funding for access to healthy, nutritious food is at risk of running out for the nearly 48 million combined Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). A disruption in SNAP and WIC funding would have serious consequences for local grocers, their employees, and the food supply chain.
Independent grocers are often the only source of fresh produce, dairy, and other nutritious essentials for millions of families, veterans, and seniors who rely on federal nutrition assistance to make ends meet. With SNAP fueling over 389,000 American jobs and generating $1.54 in economic activity for every dollar invested in the program, grocers’ staffing and inventory are planned around benefit cycles, so a lapse in funding could lead to reduced employee hours, perishable food losses, and declining sales. Furthermore, when benefits are restored, the resulting surge in demand could strain supply chains nationwide.
As local grocers at the heart of the vibrant communities they serve, we believe that no American should ever go hungry. To uphold this core value, the National Grocers Association urges Congress and our leaders in Washington to move forward to immediately open the government and fund these vital food assistance programs, so that our communities are supported and Americans can access the food they need to feed themselves and their families.”
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About the National Grocers Association
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.
