Focus underscores how to scale what’s working in underserved rural and urban communities.
CHICAGO, IL, June 30, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Food Systems for the Future Institute (FSFI) with Chef José Andrés serving as Honorary Co-Host, convened the 2026 Grocery Retail for All Summit, a national gathering of more than 200 attendees representing 186 organizations and 41 states, focused on identifying, elevating, and accelerating solutions that strengthen grocery retail and expand access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities.
Held on June 18 at the University of Illinois Chicago, the Summit brought together grocery operators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, healthcare leaders, researchers, philanthropies, and community advocates to share proven models, innovative partnerships, and practical strategies for expanding access to affordable, nutritious food.
Throughout the day, participants explored a central question: How do we scale what works in underserved rural and urban communities? Rather than focusing on barriers, Summit discussions highlighted proven approaches already delivering results—from community-rooted grocery stores and innovative financing models to public-private partnerships, procurement strategies, and policy solutions that support long-term sustainability and growth.
“Across the country, communities are demonstrating that there are effective ways to improve access to affordable, nutritious food while supporting strong local businesses,” said Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, Founder and CEO of the Food Systems for the Future Institute. “This Summit brought together the people building those solutions so that we can learn from one another, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress.”
Sessions throughout the Summit examined the full ecosystem that supports successful grocery retail. Discussions explored operating strategies used by community grocers, approaches to building capital stacks for community food enterprises, policies that improve business viability, tools to reduce waste and protect margins, innovative procurement and distribution models, the role of SNAP in the retail environment, and the use of data to guide local decision-making.
“Today’s challenge is not to imagine what is possible. It is to determine how we work together to scale what works. When we do, we strengthen businesses, improve health outcomes, create jobs, and build stronger communities,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
The Summit concluded with the Grocery Retail Resilience & Innovation Award Ceremony, recognizing organizations advancing innovative approaches to strengthening grocery retail and expanding access to nutritious food in underserved communities. The 2026 honorees included Oasis Fresh Market, recipient of the $50,000 award, and The Mildred Store, Kanbe’s Markets, Food Club Network, Saba Grocers Initiative, and DC Central Kitchen, each receiving $10,000 awards in recognition of their contributions to community-centered food access and grocery innovation.
The Grocery Retail for All Summit was convened in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago, the Global Food Institute at George Washington University, the Harvard Food Law & Policy Clinic at Harvard Law School, The Food Trust, WANDA (Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics and Agriculture), and Dion’s Chicago Dream.
Building on the momentum generated in Chicago, FSFI will continue working with partners to share promising practices, foster new collaborations, and advance solutions that help communities strengthen grocery retail and improve access to nutritious food.
About Food Systems for the Future Institute
Food Systems for the Future Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equitable access to affordable, nutritious food through innovative partnerships, research, investment, and community-centered solutions. The Institute works across sectors to identify, support, and scale approaches that strengthen food systems.
—
For the original version of this press release, please visit 24-7PressRelease.com here
Legal Disclaimer: This article was provided by an independent third-party content provider. Kyrion Media makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. All information is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. This content may not have been reviewed by our editorial staff and is published automatically. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kyrion Media. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. If you are affiliated with this article and would like it removed, please contact retract@kyrionmedia.com.
