FYI: Additional SNAP Funds Headed to a State Near You

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

Driving Local Business and Community Growth Across West Virginia

Our Purpose and Commitment

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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Join a Community that Champions, Connects, and Elevates!

Your Essential Connection in West Virginia

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.

Congress implemented several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the recently enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The emergency allotments for current SNAP beneficiaries is one we want to make sure your members are aware of, and ready to be implemented in their states.

By: Hannah Walker, Vice President, Political Affairs, and Elizabeth Tansing, Senior Director, State Government Relations, FMI <img src="https://www.fmi.org/images/default-source/government-affairs/snap-logo.tmb-large-350-.jpg?sfvrsn=3138696e_2" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="SNAP Logo" title="SNAP Logo" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" />Congress implemented several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the recently enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The emergency allotments for current SNAP beneficiaries is one we want to make sure members are aware of, and ready to implement in their states. The bill allows states to request a waiver from United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Nutrition Service (FNS) to take their participating SNAP households up to the national maximum benefit level. In general, this could mean about an additional $50 per recipient, or $200 for a household of four.   FNS sent guidance to states on how to apply for the waivers and when they can be used. Thus far <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/coronavirus/state-snap-info/al-ea-waiver.pdf?sfvrsn=b7416815_2" title="AL">AL</a>, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/arkansas-waiver-6-emergencyallotments-covid-arkansas.pdf?sfvrsn=7af32feb_2" title="AR">AR</a>, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/ga-ea-request---3-22-20.pdf?sfvrsn=5cb55112_2" title="GA ">GA </a>, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/mi-ea-request-3-23-amended-version.docx?sfvrsn=6c792640_2" title="MI">MI</a>, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/sc_cr-snap-waiver-request_3-23-20.pdf?sfvrsn=6b8b323_2" title="SC">SC</a>, <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/va-emergencyallotments-request.pdf?sfvrsn=fcb6bd41_2" title="VA ">VA</a> and more have been granted waivers to deposit additional funds before the end of March, while <a href="https://www.fmi.org/docs/default-source/state-affairs/tn-emergencyallotmentswaiver.pdf?sfvrsn=97bf62bb_2" title="TN">TN</a> has opted to increase April and May benefits.   FMI expects to see several more state waiver requests granted in the coming days. We will continue to update our website with the information. We want to make sure all our members know as quickly as possible when waivers are granted, how many households in a state are participating and the amount of funds being sent to the state to help you prepare on the operations side. Additionally, FNS has a <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19">COVID-19 webpage</a> where they will be uploading approved waivers that can be accessed through an interactive <a href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19/snap-waivers-flexibilities">map</a>. We know this is an incredibly busy time for our members as they navigate the uncharted territory of a public health crisis like we have never seen. The entire supply chain has faced unprecedented demand and has proven to be the most resilient, nimble and efficient in the world.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can be of any assistance as you continue to be on the frontlines feeding our country. <a href="https://www.fmi.org/food-safety/coronavirus/families-first-coronavirus-summary-of-snap-provisions" class="button">Additional SNAP Resources </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.