New York City, NY - Food Marketing Institute (FMI), Chief Public Policy Officer, Senior Vice President, Government, and Public Affairs, Jennifer Hatcher, participated in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Closing Bell® with United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue. Secretary Perdue closed the exchange in honor of the USDA’s theme of ‘Do Right and Feed Everyone.’ FMI was invited to join in recognition of the important role food retailers play as the purchasing agent for the consumer of food products grown or raised by farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers. Of the opportunity to take part in the NYSE Closing Bell®, Hatcher said:

“It was an honor to join Secretary Perdue and farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers that contribute to America’s economy at the NYSE. What a particularly important time to acknowledge the significant role of food and agriculture in the lives of families across the country during National Family Meals Month™, which encourages families of all types to eat one more meal together each week.

Grocers also play a tremendous role as economic engines in towns and cities all across America. The food retail industry employs nearly 5 million people and produces more than $363 billion in economic activity while providing safe, quality and affordable food to consumers every day.”