DES MOINES, Iowa – Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. and founder of the Nourishing Change movement, convened more than 1,200 leaders from across science, retail, health systems, policy, technology and community sectors to turn ideas into action and advance solutions that improve nutrition, access to care and overall health.
Now in its third year, the event was held this week at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines in partnership with Hy-Vee. The collaboration marked the first time Kroger Health has co-hosted the convening with another retailer, underscoring growing momentum for cross-industry collaboration to drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes at scale.
“Hosting Nourishing Change this year gave us a firsthand look at what happens when people and industries come together around a common goal,” said Aaron Wiese, President, Hy-Vee, Inc. “The conversations this week in Des Moines have been thoughtful, practical, and focused on the real challenges facing communities today. This conference shows that when leaders from various backgrounds come together, there’s an opportunity for lasting change across health and wellness.”
This year’s event unfolded against a backdrop of significant forces shaping the future of health in the United States. From the growing burden of chronic disease to the rapid uptake of GLP-1 therapies, stakeholders across health care, retail, food, pharmacy, and public policy are navigating challenges and opportunities that extend well beyond their individual sectors. As discussions around prevention, nutrition, and access to care continue to advance, Nourishing Change provides a platform for leaders to align on practical solutions and coordinated action.
Reflecting the breadth of those conversations, Nourishing Change gathered leaders from across the organizations shaping health every day. Speakers included Scott Honken of WeightWatchers and Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ, alongside more than 120 experts participating in over 50 sessions spanning retail health, clinical innovation, nutrition science, payer and employer strategy, and public policy. Together, attendees explored the ideas, partnerships, and approaches needed to help people live healthier lives.
“Improving health outcomes for all Americans takes all of us,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “The greatest opportunities to improve health come when organizations work together toward a common goal. Kroger Health founded Nourishing Change to bring together the leaders willing to think beyond traditional industry boundaries. When organizations unite around a common purpose, they can help millions of people.”
This year’s program zeroed in on three important developments influencing how health is experienced and delivered across the country: the central role of grocery and pharmacy as two of America’s most accessible health touchpoints, the growing connection between retail and clinical care, and the impact of GLP-1 medications across food, pharmacy, and health care.
“Retail health has an opportunity to make nutrition, pharmacy and care more accessible and meaningful for the communities we serve,” added Jim Kirby, chief commercial officer of Kroger Health. “With thousands of pharmacies and healthcare practitioners serving communities nationwide, we see firsthand the difference that can be made when food, pharmacy and clinical care work together.”
Nourishing Change is produced in collaboration with Advantage Solutions and a Steering Committee of cross-sector organizations committed to shared progress on health outcomes at scale. To learn more about the Nourishing Change Conference, please visit nourishingchange.com.Nourishing Change is produced in collaboration with Advantage Solutions and a Steering Committee of cross-sector organizations committed to shared progress on health outcomes at scale. To learn more about the Nourishing Change Conference, please visit nourishingchange.com.
