SNAP Plays Key Role in Strengthening Retail Food Resilience in Low-Income Rural and Urban Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2025
SNAP Plays Key Role in Strengthening Retail Food Resilience in Low-Income Rural and Urban Communities
CHICAGO, IL. — As significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are considered in Washington, Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI) surveyed retailers to confirm the importance of SNAP in supporting independent grocery retailers and community nutrition, particularly in low-income rural and urban areas.
The FSFI interview responses highlighted SNAP significantly supports independent grocers, particularly in low-income areas, where according to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), SNAP redemptions often comprise more than 50% of their revenue, enabling these stores to provide fresh, affordable foods to underserved communities. Any reduction in SNAP redemptions could compromise their ability to remain viable, leading to lost income, potential store closures, and reduced food access, making them especially vulnerable to proposed cuts.
“SNAP plays a crucial role beyond household nutrition—it is vital for the sustainability of independent grocers and the economic resilience of the communities they serve,”
— Ertharin Cousin, Founder and CEO, Food Systems for the Future
According to FSF’s Grocery Retail for All report, independent grocers are key community assets, providing essential infrastructure for nutrition, employment, economic vitality and neighborhood resilience. In addition to its nutritional benefits, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that SNAP generates up to $1.79 in economic activity for every $1 spent, directly supporting jobs in retail, distribution, and agriculture.
The lived experiences captured in FSFI’s interviews with independent grocers reinforce recent findings from the Center for American Progress (CAP), which estimates that over 27,000 retailers, particularly in rural counties, face heightened risks from SNAP cuts. These interviews bring life to the CAP data, illustrating how reduced SNAP redemptions could threaten store viability and food access.
“SNAP is one of the most effective public-private partnerships in American history. Not only is there a high return on investment for taxpayers, but SNAP is a powerful economic engine for communities of all sizes, fueling the creation of over 389,000 local jobs. As changes to SNAP continue to be debated in Congress, these positive impacts should be taken into account.”
— Stephanie Johnson, RDN, Group Vice President of Government Relations, National Grocers Association
R.F. Buche, President of G.F. Buche Co., a diversified retail business where he pioneers community-centered grocery innovations and advocacy efforts that uplift rural and tribal communities in South Dakota, tells us:
“Not only would a cut in SNAP be devastating to my customers who live in the poorest county in the United States, it would be overwhelming to my team. Loss of sales will no doubt be a loss of available hours and potential loss of jobs for people I consider my family. Because of our razor thin margins, we have to keep our labor at level to be profitable so we can support our local communities. If the sales aren’t there, then labor will need to be cut. Cutting jobs and my team’s hours in a place where jobs are extremely scarce would be devastating to all involved!”
— R.F. Buche, President G.F. Buche Co.
Grocers facing reduced SNAP demand often confront higher shelf prices, lower inventory, and cuts to labor hours, negatively affecting local distributors and consumer access to quality food. Sherman Park Grocery store, the only full-service grocery store currently operating within the Sherman Park neighborhood in Milwaukee, serving around 32,000 residents, has seen a reduction in sales of 48% or more due to changes in SNAP and WIC benefits.
“The cutting of SNAP /WIC benefits at the Sherman Park Grocery store has had a huge impact—not just on our sales, but on our customers’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables. These fresh produce and affordable groceries are no longer making it into local households—many with children already facing obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and other health challenges. It’s extremely important for us—as a grocery store, as a community, as a state, and as a government—to continue providing access to healthy foods and nutrition. These are investments in our future.”
— Maurice (Moe) Wince, Owner, Sherman Park Grocery, Milwaukee Wisconsin 53216
The data gathered by FSFI underscores that SNAP is critical to maintaining healthy community food systems and vibrant local economies.
To further elevate grocers’ voices and deepen public understanding of SNAP’s role in sustaining food retail, Food Systems for the Future Institute is hosting a virtual panel discussion on June 30 from 12 PM to 1:00 PM CT. The webinar will feature insights from independent grocery store owners and industry experts, highlighting the operational realities behind food access in underserved communities. Registration details are available here.
About the FSF Institute
Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI) is a U.S. 501 (c) (3) organization led by Ambassador Ertharin Cousin. Through deep sector expertise, a network of advisors, and institutional partnerships, FSFI addresses malnutrition with an economically sustainable climate lens. FSFI is dedicated to delivering food as health, creating an ecosystem that ensures equitable access to affordable, nutritious food, particularly in historically underserved communities.
Learn more at www.fsfinstitute.net
Media Contact:
Erika Contreras
Communications Manager