Deep Dive
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State-Level SNAP Waiver Policy Progress: Key Developments Grocers Need to Watch
Since 2025, multiple U.S. states have advanced waiver policies restricting SNAP participants from purchasing candy and soda, with 23 states approved by the USDA by mid-2026. Such policies are not new, with history tracing back to 2003, but have accelerated under the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. However, in June 2026, a federal court ruled that USDA approvals for waivers in five states exceeded statutory authority, raising industry concerns about implementation complexity and future uncertainty. Grocers need to monitor state variations, product definitions, and potential legal changes.
Brookshire Grocery Company Appoints Jerry LeClair as Permanent CEO
Brookshire Grocery Company recently announced that Jerry LeClair has been officially appointed as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. LeClair had served as interim CEO since February 2025, succeeding the retired Brad Brookshire. With over 40 years of experience in the grocery industry, he will continue to oversee the company's retail operations, category management, marketing, fuel, pharmacy, logistics, and facilities services teams.
Gen Z families enter the mainstream consumer group, grocery retailers urgently need to transform
The AlixPartners report shows that young parents are more inclined to multi-channel shopping, using e-commerce, and purchasing prepared foods, putting traditional grocers at risk of customer attrition.
The Raley’s Companies to close more stores
Raley's Companies spokesperson Chelsea Carbahal confirmed to Grocery Dive that it will close three Raley's-branded stores and one Nob Hill Foods store, located in Brentwood, California; Elko, Nevada; Petaluma, California; and Los Gatos, California, respectively. The closures will span from November 2025 through June 2027. Carbahal stated that these closures are not part of an overall store reduction plan, but are based on local market conditions and long-term financial sustainability. The Los Gatos store is closing due to the landlord terminating the lease. The company also mentioned plans to open a new store in Madera in March 2027, emphasizing that this reflects the same disciplined management approach.
2026年下半年杂货业七大关键悬念
面对消费者愈发精打细算的购物行为，美国杂货零售商正承受同店销售增长乏力、单位销量连续下滑的压力。与此同时，SNAP豁免政策的法律挑战、能源成本高企、动态定价监管扩大以及区域性并购活跃，共同构成了2026年下半年行业的不确定图景。本文基于最新数据与高管表态，提出七大值得追踪的行业悬念。
SNAP Enrollment Declines: Which States Saw the Sharpest Drops
New federal data shows SNAP participation fell nearly 13% year-over-year in April, with Arizona experiencing the largest drop at over 50%. The declines follow policy changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which tightened work requirements and shifted more administrative burden to states.
Will Congress Define Ultraprocessed Foods as FDA Delays?
The FDA's delay in defining ultraprocessed foods has opened the door for Congress and states to act, but conflicting definitions and industry opposition highlight the challenges ahead.
FDA Proposes Mandatory GRAS Notifications to Close Ingredient 'Loophole' Championed by RFK Jr.
The FDA on Monday proposed a rule to mandate safety notifications for ingredients entering the food supply under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) framework, targeting a self-affirmation pathway criticized by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The rule would close a decades-old information gap, but industry and consumer groups debate its impact and the need for congressional action.
Save A Lot shed hundreds of stores over the past several years. What happened?
Save A Lot's store count has dropped from approximately 1,000 in 2020 to about 650 currently. The company has confirmed this change, attributing it to macroeconomic challenges and business model adjustments. This article reviews its ownership changes over the past decade, the transition to a wholesale model, the reintroduction of corporate-owned stores, and the competitive and SNAP policy impacts it faces.
Are grocers making smart investments in back-end AI?
Grocers are accelerating their adoption of AI technology, but experts point out that, compared with flashy consumer-facing tools, back-office operational AI can deliver more tangible returns. This article explores the practices of companies such as Albertsons and Hy-Vee, as well as key challenges including data governance, organizational change, and cost control.