ARLINGTON, VA – Food Marketing Institute Senior Director of Technology & Nutrition Policy, Hannah Walker, today released the following comments on the Senate’s passage of its Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (S. 3042). The bill restates a prohibition of interchange and processing fees on food retailers. Walker said: 

“Food Marketing Institute would like to thank Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS), Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and their respective staff for their collective commitment to the grocery industry. Their support ensured our members and customers were protected in the bill from unfair predatory fees charged by state-contracted EBT processors. 

“FMI is extremely pleased that the Senate voted with strong bipartisan support to pass its Farm Bill. On behalf of our members, we look forward to working with both the House and Senate as the two bills head to conference. We remain committed to making sure the final legislation maintains the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and drives innovation and efficiency that will make the program run even better for our members’ customers in the future.”