Local 876 -- The grocery industry and its workers, along with food stamp recipients, scored a victory today when the Michigan State Senate passed SB 120. Known as the "Social Welfare Act," the legislation would up the distribution of food stamps from once to twice a month.

"We applaud today's bi-partisan action by the state senate," Roger Robinson, president of the United Food and Commerical Workers (UFCW) Local 876, said. "It's a win-win for everyone involved -- Michigan's workers, consumers and retailers. We urge the members of the House of Representatives to approve the change and send the new bill to the Governor for her signature as quickly as possible."

The advantages of twice a month distribution include:

-- Greater shopping and budgeting flexibility for food stamp recipients who would be less likely to run out of food stamps before the end of the month, and be able to purchase fresh products throughout the month.

-- A greater and more even distribution of work hours for grocery store employees. Currently, these workers' hours are often cut during the last 20 days of the month, coinciding with the drop in shopping experienced after the distribution of food stamps.

-- Elimination of the financial, management and inventory problems experienced by retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, and manufacturers as a result of the current food stamp distribution system.

-- A greater selection of fresh food for all shoppers. Currently, many grocers are unable to stock fresh meat, dairy and produce during the last 20 days of the month when their business is reduced due to once a month food stamp distribution.