The National Grocers Association (NGA), a trade association for independent supermarket retailers and wholesale distributors, sent key recommendations to help address the current egg supply shortage in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins. 

“NGA members welcome Secretary’s Rollins’ leadership to address the ongoing historic pressure grocers and their customers are facing from record high egg prices and supply challenges.  We look forward to working closely with the Secretary and the professionals at USDA to provide flexibility in the WIC program and to support science backed policies and solutions to address these ongoing concerns.” said NGA president and chief executive officer Greg Ferrara.  

In its letter, NGA urged the USDA to take the following actions:

Provide Retail Flexibility for WIC Stocking Requirements – Direct all state WIC agencies to approve waivers providing temporary flexibility in egg stocking requirements and price controls to accommodate supply shortages. 

Protect Consumers and Stabilize the Egg Supply – Utilize all available scientific resources to mitigate the effects of the Avian Flu and enhance the resilience of the domestic egg supply.

“We appreciate the USDA’s efforts to support the food supply chain during these difficult times,” added Ferrara. “NGA is committed to working collaboratively with the Trump Administration and the industry to ensure independent grocers can continue serving their communities and meeting the needs of their customers.”