New Jersey Food Council Hails Food-Fuel Promo Legislation

The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) expressed its enthusiastic support for Senate Bill 2927/Assembly Bill 3133, which was signed into state law by Gov. Chris Christie on Jan. 9. The legislation enables consumers to accrue rewards points on their debit cards and shopper loyalty cards, which can be turned into discounts on gasoline purchases.

“With food and fuel prices being at some of their highest levels in recent memory, it is important to give consumers every possible discount on their purchases,” said Linda Doherty, president of Trenton-based NJFC of the bill, which received broad bipartisan support in both houses of the state legislature.

Currently, consumers in more than 40 other states can accrue points on their shopper loyalty cards through normal spending habits such as grocery shopping. The points can be turned into discounts at participating gas stations. New Jersey law no longer prohibits this type of consumer benefit.

“New Jersey consumers can now take part in the promotional programs that are enjoyed by their family and friends in other states,” added Doherty, noting that the council was awaiting “the first food-fuel promotions programs being rolled out here in New Jersey.”

The bill was sponsored by Sens. Robert Gordon (D-38), James Beach (D-6) and Diane Allen (D-7); Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-3); and Assemblymen Craig Coughlin (D-19) and John Burzichelli (D-3).

NJFC has almost 400 members representing more than 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies that supply them.