Industry Reaches Out to Federal Government for Help

U.S. food leaders are preparing a wide-ranging list of requests for the federal government to help address the coronavirus crisis, including relaxing some child labor regulations, authorizing the National Guard to deliver food in emergencies and providing protective gear such as face masks for food workers.

About 60 industry associations, including FMI, the National Grocers Association (NGA) and the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), sent a letter to elected officials at all levels of the government to address the concerns that have arisen from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that gatherings be limited to 50 or fewer people, with exemptions for businesses. The issue about who makes the decisions arose earlier this week when the recommendation came out.

But further clarification was requested in the letter, which contained the immediate ask that federal and state governments quickly create a framework that exempts food (for human and animal consumption), beverage and consumer packaged goods manufacturers, along with ingredient transportation, warehouse, distribution centers and retail stores, from the gathering and curfew bans that are beginning to be implemented across the country; this should include employees who will continue to work while healthy and all food transportation to keep store shelves stocked. The letter went on to request that such exceptions be made into law to avoid the current situation in future crises.

“Gathering restrictions and curfews are critical for protecting Americans and helping to flatten the curve, but the unintended consequences of those efforts could be detrimental to the production of essential goods for our fellow Americans,” said CBA President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “Our industry is working around the clock to manufacture the products Americans need now more than ever. Our supply chain and production capabilities are strong and they will remain strong so long as we are permitted to operate at full capacity.”

In addition to the initial letter that was sent to government officials, the NGA, FMI and local associations are working on a list of federal recommendations for the grocery industry. The working list to date (the final list to be sent to the government will be finalized within the next day or so), found in a Wisconsin Grocers Association’s newsletter, includes the following requests: