Latest news with #NationalGrocersAssociation
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
This law could make grocery stores vanish
The Trump administration's so-called ' Big, Beautiful Bill, ' which the president signed into law on July 4, could have some unwelcome impacts on U.S. grocery stores—especially those that are independently owned or in low-income neighborhoods. The bill slashed government spending on items like Medicare and Medicaid and gave massive tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest Americans. But it also cut Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, a federal program which at least 41.7 million received last year. According to the National Grocers Association (NGA), which represents independent community grocers across the U.S., as well as their wholesalers, roughly 12% of grocery store payments come from SNAP. In some rural and low-income neighborhoods, closer to 70% of sales are made using the assistance program. That means that neighborhood stores in those areas will almost undeniably see dwindling sales. In May, the Center for American Progress identified at least 27,000 grocery retailers that were likely to be the hardest hit by the bill's cuts. 'The impacts of cuts to SNAP are likely to be felt most strongly in areas with the highest rates of SNAP participation,' the report noted. 'In these communities, even if a family doesn't personally see their budget for food reduced, community residents could see their local grocer close.' Amid economic challenges that were present before the bill's passing, even major chains have been attempting major moves to stay competitive. Last year, grocery store giants Kroger and Albertsons attempted to merge. The move, which would've been the largest supermarket merger in history, was blocked by a judge after the FTC sued. 'This historic win protects millions of Americans across the country from higher prices for essential groceries—from milk, to bread, to eggs—ultimately allowing consumers to keep more money in their pockets,' the FTC said in a statement at the time. 'This victory has a direct, tangible impact on the lives of millions of Americans who shop at Kroger or Albertsons-owned grocery stores for their everyday needs, whether that's a Fry's in Arizona, a Vons in Southern California, or a Jewel-Osco in Illinois.' While SNAP recipients and grocers may suffer due to the massive cuts, some republicans have pointed to an alleged uptick in fraudulent SNAP payments as a reason for the SNAP cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson cited a USDA statistic, which says SNAP transactions jumped 55% between the last quarter of FY2024 and the first quarter of FY2025. Those fraudulent charges, however, aren't from SNAP beneficiaries themselves, that target recipients who rely on the program.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Economic Data Underscores SNAP's Critical Role in Supporting American Jobs and Local Economies
Efficient and effective nutrition program supports over 388,000 jobs Washington, D.C., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Grocers Association (NGA), the nation's leading trade association representing the independent grocery industry, today released new economic data demonstrating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's (SNAP) powerful impact on sustaining American jobs and driving economic activity in communities across the country. According to the new economic analysis, SNAP funding supports approximately 388,000 jobs, over $20 billion in direct wages, resulting in over $4.5 billion in state and federal tax revenue. These findings reaffirm that SNAP not only helps over 40 million Americans combat food insecurity but also supports American jobs and keeps local economies strong, particularly in rural and underserved communities where independent grocers are often a key employer and economic anchor. 'SNAP is not just food assistance for families — it's an economic engine that bolsters jobs on Main Street,' said Stephanie Johnson, RDN, NGA's group vice president for government relations and a registered dietitian. 'This data confirms what independent grocers see every day: SNAP dollars circulate directly through local businesses, helping to pay local wages, keep shelves stocked, and support essential services in communities nationwide.' Independent community grocers serve as a crucial access point for SNAP beneficiaries, accepting benefits in areas where national chains may not operate. The program helps ensure the availability and purchase of nutritious food at local retailers, which sustains jobs in stores, warehouses, trucking companies, farms, and food manufacturing facilities — sectors that collectively employ millions of Americans. NGA urges lawmakers to maintain a strong and adequately funded SNAP program in the upcoming reconciliation bill and cautions that cuts or structural changes could have far-reaching consequences for food access, economic growth, and employment. 'As policymakers debate the future of SNAP, we urge them to recognize its full economic impact,' Johnson added. 'A robust and efficient SNAP program is more than food assistance for families who have fallen on hard times — it's a sound investment in America's workers, businesses, and communities,' she remarked. NGA's latest SNAP data, which includes state and congressional district-level dashboards, can be accessed here. CONTACT: National Grocers Association National Grocers Association epayne@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National Grocers Association Issues Bleak Warning Over Tariffs
It's not a COVID comeback, but it could feel like it. Independent grocers across the country are sounding the alarm, warning that rising tariffs could trigger another wave of empty shelves, frustrated shoppers, and dwindling options at the supermarket. In a strongly worded letter to the Federal Trade Commission, the National Grocers Association (NGA)—which represents thousands of small and regional food retailers—accused major chains of strong-arming suppliers to keep their own prices low, even as costs rise. The result, they say, could squeeze independent stores right out of the supply chain. 'Rising tariffs could disrupt the food supply chain much like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic,' the NGA warned, referencing 2020's scramble for basics like bread, milk, and toilet paper. Big-box stores may be able to force suppliers to eat the cost of tariffs, but manufacturers still need to cover their bottom line. According to the NGA, that means shifting the burden to smaller grocers who lack the leverage to say no—and often serve rural and underserved communities with few other risk, says NGA's Chris Jones, is clear: 'Independent grocers once again face the risk of being pushed to the back of the supply line if tariffs trigger product shortages.' The group urged the FTC to enforce antitrust laws that require suppliers to treat large and small retailers fairly—and to closely monitor whether tariff fallout disproportionately affects smaller players. Low prices at national chains may feel like a win for consumers. But the NGA argues the long-term impact—fewer choices, higher prices, and the erosion of local grocery stores—could cost shoppers more than they realize. As trade pressures mount across industries, the food sector might be next to feel the squeeze.
Business Journals
23-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Bay Area Council summit to feature former Donald Trump mouthpiece Kellyanne Conway
By submitting your information you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and User Agreement . "I hope we do create a little controversy," Bay Area Council CEO says of inviting former Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway to speak at signature event. Story Highlights Kellyanne Conway to speak at Bay Area Council summit. Event features Democratic leaders alongside Trump-affiliated figure. Summit aims to create controversy and debate different viewpoints. While inviting some of the biggest Democrats in California and the Bay Area to speak at a signature event, a prominent local business group is also bringing in a recognizable figure from Donald Trump's orbit. Trump's 2016 campaign manager and former senior adviser Kellyanne Conway is scheduled to speak at the Bay Area Council's 2025 Bay Area-Silicon Valley Summit on May 27. According to the agenda, she will share 'what motivates the president, what more we can expect and what makes MAGA tick.' GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events Conway's name stands out among the other guests invited to speak to hundreds of business leaders who are expected to attend the event. After all, Conway is more often expected at events like next month's meeting of the National Grocers Association meeting in Washington, D.C., where she'll serve up plenty of red meat as the keynote speaker. Her appearance in conversation with TMG Partners CEO Michael Covarrubias may make waves, but the Bay Area Council's leadership isn't afraid of that. 'We've created controversy before with these programs. I hope we do create a little controversy," Jim Wunderman, CEO of the Bay Area Council, told the Business Times in an interview Wednesday. "It's healthy to have debate, to share different points of view, to get people who don't think the same. There's nothing more dull than getting a bunch of people who all say the same thing.' Bay Area Council members, like business leaders elsewhere, are trying to navigate turbulent tariff policies and other changes underway in the early days of Trump's second term. 'President Donald Trump has exploded out of the gate of his second term with a staggering and dizzying array of directives, executive orders and other moves aimed at shrinking and dramatically remaking government, reordering global economic power dynamics, punishing opponents and isolating traditional allies. And he's just getting started,' according to the summit agenda. Conway's fans and critics alike will want to keep their expectations in check: She's only scheduled to speak for 40 minutes. Her talking points will likely be much different than the other invited guests. The mayors of the Bay Area's three largest cities — San Francisco's Daniel Lurie, San Jose's Matt Mahon and Oakland's Barbara Lee — have been invited to participate in a panel on whether their cities have finally turned the corner. Signs of the turnaround include a slowdown in San Francisco's population loss and indications that return-to-work policies may be succeeding in San Francisco. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also been invited to speak, and the summit will also feature a conversation with Derek Thompson, co-author of 'Abundance,' a recently published book that looks at how anti-growth Democratic policies have hindered the ability to address major societal problems. 'There's a general view that's emerging that the policies that have come out of the Democratic-led institutions have led to an inability to proceed on the very things we say that we want to do,' Wunderman said. 'We say we want to produce jobs, we want to produce housing, we want to make a better society with more opportunity for people, and we're not achieving that. 'It's because of our own policies, laws and regulations, which have become collectively impossible to negotiate for so many,' Wunderman said. 'We're losing investment, jobs and economic possibilities that really should go to California.' Wunderman lamented the loss of tax dollars California sends to Washington, only to find the money being put to work in other states. 'Our tax funds are paying for Arizona to succeed. It's just crazy,' Wunderman said. The summit also features a timely panel on issues surrounding higher education, which have grabbed headlines as President Trump takes on diversity initiatives and other policies at leading universities. Stanford University President Jonathan Levin and UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons will speak on a panel moderated by Janet Reilly, chair of the UC Board of Regents. 'Two of the greatest universities on the planet … may be facing some of the most challenging times in their illustrious history, with an anti-intellectual fervor sweeping the nation and criticism of some universities as elite, liberally biased, privileged and out-of-touch with the problems of the world,' according to the summit program. Largest Bay Area Business Advocacy Organizations Revenue Rank Prior Rank Organization 1 5 Multiplier 2 2 Community Initiatives 3 3 San Francisco Tourism Improvement District Management Corp. View this list
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Price of groceries expected increase as Trump trade war intensifies, expert says
The Brief The price of many everyday grocery items are expected to go up as President Donald Trump's tariffs on Mexico and Canada go into effect. Trump is declaring an economic emergency to put a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. One expert says prices for items with a short shelf life, like fruits and vegetables, could increase in the next 7 to 10 days. ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The trade war triggered by President Donald Trump's steep tariffs on Canada and Mexico are expected to cause the price of many goods to go up and one of the first places Americans are likely to feel the pinch is at the grocery store. What they're saying Experts say grocery store items with short shelf lives that are restocked frequently and have thin profit margins are most in jeopardy of increasing in price within the next 7 to 10 days. The items include fruits, vegetables and some alcohol and spirits, according to financial strategist William Dendy. "We're going to see the cost of avocados, which is heavy for Mexico, tomatoes, strawberries," Dendy said. "With the tariffs being at 25%, and the average margins on what grocery stores are keeping for themselves, we will probably see a 20% or so increase in the cost of all these goods." That 20% comes on top of the already-inflated prices of goods. Dendy goes on to say beyond the expected cost increase for their fresh produce, shoppers should expect to pay more for corn, wheat, chicken and beef due to the newly imposed tariffs and reciprocal tariffs mandated by the Trump administration. What's next The National Grocers Association released a statement Wednesday morning after President Trump's address to Congress saying, "the NGA urges continued dialogue between the US, Canada and Mexico to quickly resolve trade imbalances." "What I've heard is that it's going to be more expensive," Alexandria resident Dazsdya Hall said. "I'm hoping it doesn't get crazier." The National Grocers Association points out amid the tariffs, independent grocers are facing cost pressures including skyrocketing credit swipe fees. "As the White House engages in negotiations with our trading partners, it is critical that the Administration simultaneously take decisive action to address the most significant cost pressures facing independent grocers, including skyrocketing credit card "swipe fees," lax antitrust enforcement, and burdensome regulations. Resolving these complex issues with urgency and strategic foresight is essential to stabilizing grocery prices and ensuring independent grocers can continue to serve their communities with affordable and accessible food," the NGA wrote in its statement.
