NGA Statement on USDA’s Final SNAP Stocking Standards

• May 7, 2026

Washington, D.C. - The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, released the following statement from NGA Head of Government Affairs Stephanie Johnson about USDA's final stocking standards:

"The National Grocers Association (NGA) welcomes USDA's final stocking standards, which reinforce the importance of access to a broad range of real foods. SNAP remains a highly effective public-private partnership, and these standards help ensure participants can obtain nutritious options in communities across the country.

Independent grocers play a critical role in delivering these foods, particularly in rural and high-cost areas where access might otherwise be limited. Rooted in the communities they serve, community grocers participating in SNAP prioritize choice, quality, and service, and are essential to maintaining a strong and accessible food supply chain.

As USDA moves forward with implementation, NGA encourages continued collaboration with retailers to ensure the standards are workable across all stores and regions. At the same time, Congress and USDA should build on this progress by expanding proven programs like Double Up Food Bucks and GusNIP, which further incentivize healthy eating and increase access to fresh, locally sourced foods."

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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.