Fresh Perspectives from NGA: Growing SNAP Incentives and Community Impact

This June, Fresh Access Bucks had the exciting opportunity to attend the National Grocers Association (NGA) Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From June 16–18, joining fellow Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grantees and grocery partners from across the country as part of the National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF) supported GusNIP Grantee + Grocer Cohort.

Together, we explored how SNAP nutrition incentives are transforming independent grocery stores by:

  • Boosting local economies
  • Improving access to fresh produce
  • Strengthening community health

NGAF created a powerful space for collaboration by bringing together a national cohort of grantees and grocers. After two virtual meetings earlier this year, the in-person summit offered a chance to connect more deeply and exchange ideas about integrating nutrition incentives into independent stores of all sizes.

The cohort joined more than 80 NGA members, retailers, distributors, and partners to explore innovations in produce, meat, deli, seafood, bakery, and other key store departments. The atmosphere was collaborative and energizing, full of fresh ideas and shared passion for equitable food access.

A highlight of the summit was touring three unique grocery stores, each serving a different community—but all committed to high-quality fresh offerings and community-focused business models:

Sendik’s Food Market
 A family-owned chain with a century-long legacy, Sendik’s impressed attendees with an in-store micro farm where lettuce is grown from seed, a wide array of freshly cut fruits and vegetables, and a clear commitment to innovation and freshness. Local vendors lined the aisles with samples of the products that the Sendik stores helped to incubate, growing local small businesses through their partnership.

Woodman’s Market
 This employee-owned, warehouse-style store—also in business for over 100 years—featured a large selection of Midwest-grown produce, including affordable and diverse varieties of potatoes. Their dedication to local sourcing stood out as a model worth learning from.

El Rey Market
 Serving Milwaukee’s Hispanic community since 1978, El Rey showcased vibrant, culturally specific produce alongside an abundant variety of in-season favorites—including remarkably large papayas that drew smiles from the entire group.

Each store offered new ideas and inspiration for how Fresh Access Bucks can help Florida grocers meet the diverse needs of their customers while growing successful produce departments.

Transitioning from store tours to stories of lived experience, one of the most powerful moments of the summit came from Jimmy Wright, owner of Wright’s Market in Opelika, Alabama. A GusNIP partner, Jimmy spoke passionately about how SNAP nutrition incentives have strengthened both his business and his community.

Since bringing these incentives to his customers, Jimmy has seen significant business growth. More importantly, he shared how these programs improve access to healthy food, uplift local families, and contribute to a more vibrant community. This work isn’t just about increasing produce sales, it’s about supporting health, dignity, and access. His story and those shared by other grocers, reminded us of the real impact this work has at the community level.

Attending the NGA Fresh Summit reinforced the importance of our work here in Florida. The connections made, the stories heard, and the models observed all offered valuable insight into how Fresh Access Bucks can continue supporting our retail partners. Fresh Access Buck’s launched the newest grocery partner alongside the cohort session: Ada’s Natural Market in Fort Myers, and Paradise Health and Nutrition stores in Melbourne and West Melbourne

Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come: stronger partnerships, more vibrant produce departments, and expanded access to fresh food across Florida.

We’re grateful to the National Grocers Association Foundation for creating this opportunity and to every grocer and grantee who shared their journey and insight.

Together, we’re not just feeding communities—we’re investing in them.