Members Webinar Review, Golf & Best Bagger

Thank you to those who joined the NGIA Membership Webinar Friday. Below is a summary of the key topics discussed, along with resources and a few follow-ups.

Upcoming Events

Hackers & Snackers Golf & Best Bagger Contest Sponsored by LinPepCo, October 6, 2026 at Tiburon Golf Course in Omaha. Register your bagger and golf team HERE.
Governor's Tailgates: These are open to NGIA members. If you’re going to be in Lincoln on gameday (or on Sept. 16th for volleyball) and would like to attend, just let Ansley know 24 hours in advance.

SNAP Update

Nebraska's SNAP waiver restrictions are currently not in effect following a court ruling.
SNAP purchases should currently operate under the same rules that were in place prior to January 2026.
Proposed additional restrictions involving candy purchases are also currently off the table.

PLEASE Take a moment to take our SNAP Survey by clicking HERE.

New SNAP Stocking Requirements

Members were reminded that updated SNAP stocking requirements are currently scheduled to take effect on November 4, unless implementation is delayed. These changes may particularly impact rural grocers and c-stores. We’ve joined NACS in asking for delayed implementation, without success. Members need to continue monitoring updates and review the educational materials NGIA will circulate.

Resource: NACS SNAP Stocking Requirements Presentation

Additional Legislative & Regulatory Work

NGIA staff is happy to assist with any labor-related issues including hiring/firing and sick or regulatory assistance with things like WIC and SNAP authorization.
We continue to advocate for federal and state regulatory reform and fight tax increases.
We’re also focused on a proposed ballot initiative that would limit the Nebraska Legislature's ability to modify voter-approved initiatives. Business organizations found former state senator plaintiffs to challenge the petition, and the Nebraska Secretary of State removed it from the ballot. The issue is proceeding to the Nebraska Supreme Court, which could uphold the SOS decision or order it be placed back on the ballot.

Member Programs Updates & Reminders

Industry Summit: Attendance continued to grow this year, with nearly 60 participants attending in Kearney. The event connects retailers with technical assistance providers, grant opportunities, and industry experts.
Coupon Redemption and Money Order Programs: We continue to remind members to take advantage of both programs as revenue-generating and customer-service opportunities. Sign up is very easy and fees are only on sales.

Election Outlook

Election results will likely influence future discussions regarding taxation, regulation, and business policy in Nebraska. NGIA's PAC supports state legislative candidates only. NGIA is closely monitoring:

Nebraska gubernatorial race
U.S. Senate race
Congressional races
State legislative races

Foundation Initiatives

Scholarships: Annual scholarships of $1,500 are available to employees, children of employees, and member families. Applications are due each May. Additional donations and auction items are always welcome to help expand scholarship funding.

REAP Grants

The Rural Energy Assistance Program (REAP) remains under review and funding is currently frozen. NGIA is monitoring developments and will notify members when applications resume. REAP grants can help fund equipment upgrades and energy-efficiency improvements.

Rural Grocery & Financing Resources

NGIA Rural Grocery Website: https://nebgrocery.com/rural-grocery-resources/

UNL Funding Resources Whitepaper: UNL Funding Rural Grocery Store Improvements and Transitions

Center for Rural Affairs Rural Grocery Cohort + Grant: https://www.cfra.org/rural-grocery

New Sponsors & Members

Welcome to a few new sponsors

Be sure to keep an eye out for additional information related to: