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.”