Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association, the leading national trade association representing independent supermarket retailers, released the following statement today about a potential government shutdown:

“The National Grocers Association (NGA), representing America’s independent community grocers, supports passage of a temporary continuing resolution to keep the government funded while Congress completes the FY26 appropriations process. A lapse in funding will seriously jeopardize critical programs that grocers and their customers rely on – including SNAP and WIC – which will have limited funding and threaten food access for millions of low-income Americans should a shutdown occur. 

Compounding the risks of a shutdown for local grocers and the communities they serve, is the the current prohibition on EBT processing fees that is set to expire on October 1st. NGA urges Congress to resolve these dual threats to American communities before the October 1 funding deadline.  

Without an extension on the EBT prohibition, independent grocers will face millions in new costs simply as a result of participating in this successful public-private partnership, which may limit grocer participation, and drive up food prices for American families who can least afford it.”