WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Kroger Health, the healthcare arm of The Kroger Co., and Hy-Vee, Inc. announced plans to co-host the second annual Nourishing Change Conference, scheduled for June 2–4, 2026, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The event, building on momentum from its inaugural year, will convene leaders from across the public and private sectors to discuss ways retail can drive better health outcomes nationwide.
“Retailers sit at the crossroads of convenience and health, which gives us an opportunity to create intentional solutions that will drive meaningful outcomes,” said Jim Kirby, chief commercial officer of Kroger Health. “The Nourishing Change Conference unites industry leaders to break down silos, challenge conventional thinking, and reimagine how retail health can play a leading role in delivering innovative, quality, patient-centered healthcare.”
The 2026 conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. A centerpiece of the event will be the Emerging Brands competition, designed to showcase entrepreneurs and startups developing health-focused products and services.
“With retail health evolving at such a rapid rate, it’s important for industry leaders and organizations to have time and a space for collaboration,” said Aaron Wiese, president of Hy-Vee. “The Nourishing Change Conference creates scalable solutions that can lead to a healthier future, and we are honored to co-host in 2026.”
Organizers expect the event to attract a broad mix of stakeholders from healthcare, retail, government, and consumer product companies, reflecting the expanding role of retailers as front-line providers of health and wellness services.
The gathering comes at a time when supermarkets and pharmacies are investing heavily in health initiatives—from preventive care and nutrition counseling to in-store clinics and digital health platforms. Both Kroger and Hy-Vee have positioned themselves as leaders in what has become a rapidly growing segment of the retail landscape.
Kroger Health, which operates more than 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics across the U.S., has advanced its “food as medicine” platform to connect nutrition and preventive care. Hy-Vee, with over 560 locations across nine Midwestern states, has expanded its health offerings through in-store dietitians, pharmacy services, and wellness programs.
Industry executives say the conference is designed not just as a forum for ideas but as a catalyst for actionable strategies that can scale across markets. Registration details, agenda previews, and speaker announcements will be shared in the months ahead.
