News Room

FMI Statement on House Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing About Improving Access to Healthy Foods

April 14, 2010
ARLINGTON, VA — April 14, 2010 — The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) issued the following statement from Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer, on today’s testimony on improving the availability of nutritious food by Jeff Brown, president and owner of Brown’s Super Markets, Inc., before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry:

“Food Marketing Institute applauds Jeff Brown for sharing his vision and success in bringing fresh, affordable and nutritious food to low-income Americans in areas that lack ready access to supermarkets. Retail food stores are the cornerstone of communities nationwide, creating numerous jobs and serving as catalyst for economic growth.

“Jeff’s innovative partnerships with federal and community leaders show how retailers can overcome the challenges inherent in building stores in underserved areas.”

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) conducts programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations on behalf of its nearly 1,250 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI’s U.S. members operate more than 25,000 retail food stores and almost 22,000 pharmacies with a combined annual sales volume of nearly $650 billion.  FMI’s retail membership is composed of large multi-store chains, regional firms and independent operators. Its international membership includes 126 companies from more than 65 countries. FMI’s nearly 330 associate members include the supplier partners of its retail and wholesale members. 

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