NGA cautions against unintended consequences of proposed SNAP changes in Arkansas
Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association (NGA), which represents the independent supermarket operators who serve communities across the country, respectfully urges states and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to carefully consider the unintended consequences to Main Street grocers that may arise as they work to approve waivers for the restriction of certain foods in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP is our most effective and efficient tool for combating food insecurity and improving public health. Feeding almost 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans, SNAP also supports over 200,000 local jobs and generates billions in taxes and economic productivity.
America’s independent community grocers are critical in supporting our nation’s health. They are proud stewards of SNAP’s mission by offering a wide selection of nutritious, culturally relevant, affordable foods that meet their customers’ dietary needs.
However, restrictions tied to SNAP food purchases can have far-reaching consequences for Main Street businesses. Independent grocers are cornerstones of their local economies, and any disruption in the program or confusion caused by changes can affect store operations, workforce stability, and supply chain relationships. These ripple effects may reduce the ability of local grocers to invest in their communities by creating jobs, supporting nearby small businesses, and maintaining essential services in the underserved areas where they often operate and are the only connection to healthy food options.
When approving waivers and writing new guidelines, we urge policymakers to remember that retailers are often the last and most direct touchpoint between SNAP and the individuals the program helps feed. Any changes to SNAP—especially food restrictions—directly impact grocers’ ability to serve their customers efficiently and effectively.
To help minimize the potential effects on Main Street grocers, we strongly urge the USDA and state agencies to provide independent grocers with clear guidance, sufficient training, and strong communication to limit disruptions for SNAP recipients and other customers while waivers are in effect.
The impacts of all waivers should also be thoroughly evaluated during and after implementation to determine whether their goals are being met without negatively affecting access to nutritious food. Only through transparent, evidence-based policymaking can we preserve SNAP’s integrity and success while continuing to improve outcomes for families who rely on this essential program.
Independent grocers have been longstanding partners with the USDA and policymakers at all levels of government in delivering their support for SNAP and initiatives to improve our nation’s overall health and ability to access healthy food. Since the program’s inception, grocers have worked tirelessly to enhance the program’s reach, efficiency, and impact. NGA stands ready to work collaboratively with the USDA, state agencies, and policymakers at all levels of government to continue this close working relationship and ensure that SNAP remains strong, stable, and accessible.
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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.
