Sharing the Grocers’ Perspective of SNAP with Congress

Promoting and Advancing Petroleum Marketing, Retail Grocery, and Convenience Stores in West Virginia

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OMEGA is a West Virginia-based organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the business interests of the state’s petroleum marketing, retail grocery, and convenience store industries.

As a network of over 225 locally owned businesses, OMEGA actively promotes cooperation, advocates for favorable legislation, and provides education and resources to its members. With over 50,000 employees, OMEGA members significantly contribute to the state’s economy, generating more than 10% of all state taxes and supporting local communities through scholarships, charitable donations, and civic involvement.

OMEGA is committed to fostering industry growth while serving West Virginians with essential services like fuel, food, and convenience.

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OMEGA offers three types of membership: Convenience Store Members, Petroleum Marketer Members, and Grocer Members, all of which play a vital role in providing fuel, food, and essentials across West Virginia. As a liaison with state and national agencies, OMEGA works closely with organizations like NACS, PMAA, FMI, and the N.G.A. to advocate on behalf of its members.

We keep members informed through newsletters, legislative updates, an online resource hub, and educational seminars. Additional member benefits include access to the Encova Workers’ Compensation Discount Program and participation in our annual Trade Expo and fundraising efforts for children’s charities. OMEGA is here to support, advocate, and enhance the success of our industry members.

The U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee held a hearing on the pros and cons of restricting SNAP food choice. FMI’s President and CEO Leslie Sarasin served as a witness for the hearing and shared the food retailer perspective on the complexity and importance of SNAP. Much of the conversation focused on the challenges with implementing restrictions and the benefits of incentives and education.

By: Elissa McLerran, Public Policy Communications Manager <img src="http://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/branding-images/leslie-sarasin-snap-testimony.tmb-large-350-.png?sfvrsn=1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Leslie Sarasin SNAP Testimony" title="Leslie Sarasin SNAP Testimony" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;" />Grocers play an important role in the efficient delivery of safe, affordable food for all customers. One vehicle used in this delivery is the <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)</a>. The <a href="http://agriculture.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=3644">U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee</a> held a <a href="http://agriculture.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3670">hearing</a> on the pros and cons of restricting SNAP food choice. FMI’s President and CEO Leslie Sarasin served as a witness for the hearing and shared the food retailer perspective on the complexity and importance of SNAP. Much of the conversation focused on the challenges with implementing restrictions and the benefits of incentives and education.    Joining FMI on the panel, witnesses from Brookings Institution, The Food Trust, and Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab discussed the added complexity and costs that restrictions would bring and the lack of data to support that the restriction would improve public health. Sarasin shared current nutrition education efforts that FMI member companies are engaged in, such as having registered dietitians and nutritionists in stores to help customers choose healthy options and <a href="http://www.fmi.org/family-meals-month">National Family Meals Month</a>®, the FMI Foundation’s initiative to increase the number of meals eaten by families at home. Sarasin also highlighted the need for sound public policy as changes to the program are considered and implemented. FMI and member companies will continue to be an active and engaged partner in this endeavor of finding the best programmatic solution to achieve the Agriculture Committee’s goals. In his closing remarks, Chairman <a href="https://conaway.house.gov/">Mike Conaway (R-TX)</a> said that while this is likely not the last conversation on the topic, it is important to recognize that there is no silver bullet to address obesity, but he hopes that all of the SNAP and nutrition discussions will help all of the country make healthier decisions. To view Sarasin’s full testimony, click <a href="https://agriculture.house.gov/uploadedfiles/sarasin_testimony.pdf">here</a>.

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Supporting West Virginia Communities

OMEGA members play a vital role in West Virginia, supporting communities through substantial tax contributions and a wide-reaching presence across the state. With over 55% of the population living in border counties, our members are dedicated to serving both local and regional needs. Beyond business, we’re proud to give back, having contributed over $3.1 million to children’s charities since 2003, reflecting our commitment to making a positive difference.