Kroger Health and Hy-Vee to Co-Host the 2026 Nourishing Change Conference in Des Moines
Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), and Hy-Vee, Inc., one of the largest employee-owned retailers in the U.S., have 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, Iowa. The event builds upon the momentum of the inaugural conference and is designed to bring together public and private sector leaders with a shared mission: advancing health outcomes across communities nationwide.
A Growing Platform for Retail Health Innovation
The Nourishing Change Conference has quickly established itself as a platform where healthcare, retail, and community leadership intersect. The event highlights how retailers—by virtue of their accessibility and influence—are uniquely positioned to impact health and wellness on a large scale.
The 2025 inaugural event was widely regarded as a success, drawing executives, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and entrepreneurs together to explore new strategies in preventive care, nutrition, and retail health solutions. Building on that foundation, the 2026 edition is expected to expand the dialogue and sharpen the focus on collaboration across industries.
The Role of Retail in Modern Healthcare
Retailers are no longer confined to selling groceries or household goods—they are increasingly acting as frontline healthcare providers. Through in-store clinics, pharmacies, wellness programs, and partnerships with insurers and healthcare systems, retailers like Kroger and Hy-Vee are reshaping how consumers engage with healthcare.
“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 at Kroger Health.
This vision is at the core of the Nourishing Change Conference, which aims to break down silos, challenge traditional thinking, and reimagine how retail health can lead the way in patient-centered, innovative healthcare delivery.
Conference Highlights and Features
The 2026 Nourishing Change Conference will span three days, featuring a blend of keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking sessions, and an Emerging Brands competition.
Keynote Presentations
Keynote speakers—yet to be announced—will include influential voices from the retail, healthcare, technology, and policy sectors. These sessions are expected to tackle urgent issues such as:
- Expanding access to affordable care
- Addressing chronic disease management through nutrition
- Leveraging technology to improve patient engagement
- Creating public-private partnerships to scale healthcare solutions
Panel Discussions
Interactive panels will bring together executives, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to debate pressing topics like:
- The evolving role of pharmacies in preventive care
- Nutrition as a core element of public health policy
- Data-driven insights for improving health outcomes at scale
- How consumer expectations are reshaping the future of healthcare delivery
Networking Opportunities
The conference will also provide structured opportunities for attendees to meet, share best practices, and form partnerships. This collaborative environment is central to the event’s mission of generating scalable solutions that can be applied across different markets.
Emerging Brands Competition
One of the most anticipated elements is the Emerging Brands competition, where budding entrepreneurs showcase innovative products and services designed to improve health. Startups and early-stage companies will compete for recognition, exposure, and potential partnerships with established retailers and investors.
This feature highlights the conference’s role not just as a forum for established leaders, but also as a launchpad for new ideas in health and wellness.
Why Hy-Vee and Kroger are Leading the Charge
As co-hosts, Kroger Health and Hy-Vee bring credibility and reach to the conference.
- Kroger Health serves millions of customers annually through its network of pharmacies, clinics, and nutrition programs. By combining retail accessibility with professional healthcare services, Kroger Health plays a critical role in making healthcare more convenient and affordable.
- Hy-Vee, headquartered in Iowa, has also made significant strides in retail health. The company operates in-store health clinics, wellness programs, and dietitian services, reinforcing its commitment to supporting healthier communities.
“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.”
Their joint leadership underscores the growing role of regional and national retailers in addressing systemic healthcare challenges.
Broader Context: Why Retail Health Matters Now
The timing of this conference is particularly relevant. The U.S. healthcare system continues to grapple with rising costs, limited access in rural areas, and disparities in health outcomes. Retailers, with their nationwide footprints and consumer trust, are increasingly seen as critical partners in bridging gaps in care delivery.
Key trends fueling this movement include:
- Pharmacy expansion into primary care: Retail pharmacies are no longer just for prescriptions; they now provide vaccines, screenings, and chronic disease management.
- Nutrition as medicine: With obesity, diabetes, and heart disease on the rise, retailers are leveraging food and dietitian services as tools for preventive healthcare.
- Technology integration: Digital health apps, telehealth services, and connected care devices are enabling retailers to extend their impact beyond the physical store.
- Consumer demand for convenience: Shoppers increasingly expect healthcare to be accessible, affordable, and aligned with their daily routines. Retailers are well-positioned to deliver on that expectation.
The Future of Nourishing Change
Looking beyond 2026, the Nourishing Change Conference has the potential to become a premier national event for healthcare and retail innovation. By positioning itself as a bridge between sectors, the conference can shape the trajectory of retail health for years to come.
The Des Moines location also reflects the importance of Midwestern leadership in retail health. Hy-Vee, headquartered in Iowa, represents the region’s strong tradition of community-focused retailing, while Kroger brings national scale and visibility.
