Summit Scales Grocery Access Solutions for Underserved Communities

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 in Chicago on June 18. The national gathering brought together over 200 attendees representing 186 organizations and 41 states to focus on identifying, elevating, and accelerating solutions that strengthen grocery retail and expand access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities. Key players included Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, Founder and CEO of FSFI, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, and partners such as 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, and Dion's Chicago Dream. The Summit explored a central question: How to scale what works in underserved rural and urban communities? Discussions highlighted proven approaches like community-rooted grocery stores, innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, procurement strategies, and policy solutions.

The event featured sessions examining the full ecosystem supporting successful grocery retail, including operating strategies, building capital stacks, policies for business viability, waste reduction, procurement and distribution models, the role of SNAP, and data-driven decision-making. The Summit concluded with the Grocery Retail Resilience & Innovation Award Ceremony, recognizing organizations advancing innovative approaches. Oasis Fresh Market received the $50,000 award, while The Mildred Store, Kanbe's Markets, Food Club Network, Saba Grocers Initiative, and DC Central Kitchen each received $10,000 awards. These organizations were honored for their contributions to community-centered food access and grocery innovation. Building on momentum, FSFI will continue working with partners to share promising practices and advance solutions that help communities strengthen grocery retail and improve access to nutritious food.