The 2026 Nourishing Change Conference highlighted how grocery retailers, healthcare leaders and technology innovators are creating health-forward stores that integrate nutrition guidance, personalized wellness solutions, pharmacy services and digital tools to improve consumer health outcomes.
By: Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, Vice President, Health & Well-being, FMI
The 2026 Nourishing Change Conference challenged over 1000 leaders in retail, healthcare, technology, policy and innovation to “reimagine the world of retail health” to drive better outcomes at scale. Many FMI members were present and engaged, addressing complex issues and exploring innovative ideas to shape the future of retail health.
The Role of the Grocery Store
Gone are the days when health was isolated to a single aisle, and consumers had to navigate wellness decisions on their own, following general guidance to “eat better.” Today, consumers enter the store educated about food, health, nutrition, and specific nutrients. They’re looking for support, guidance, affordability, inspiration, and simplicity — not just products on shelves.
Insights from FMI’s recently released U.S. Grocery Trends 2026 report showcase the grocery store as a destination for health and well-being, as consumers seek options to support their personal health journeys.
The Health-Forward Store
In a perfect world, the “health-forward store” integrates health and wellness into every touchpoint of the shopper journey, from app to aisle to cart to kitchen - ideally creating a meaningful and personal experience that supports a healthy lifestyle.
It was an honor to moderate a session on this “health-forward store” concept with insights from two well-versed and respected FMI members. Steven Jennings, Health Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement with Ahold Delhaize USA, delivered the retailer perspective, while Brian Kathmann, Vice President of Omnichannel Retail with Inmar Intelligence, delivered the technology solutions perspective.
Steven painted a picture of a “health-forward store” designed around simplicity and confidence, with easier meal solution navigation, integrated nutrition guidance throughout the store, more affordable bundles and healthier promotions, enhanced pharmacy and wellness integration, stronger digital-to-store connectivity, and community wellness programming embedded into the experience.
Most importantly, Steven noted the need for health-forward retail to remain inclusive, not a premium experience available only to certain shoppers or communities, but accessible and affordable for all.
Brian shared his vision of how “health-forward retail” must be built through experiences that feel connected, relevant and easy to navigate so that the store becomes a connected ecosystem across pharmacy, nutrition, loyalty, digital engagement, incentives, and in-store experiences, not isolated touchpoints.
The shift is not just from “shopping” to “health,” but from transactional retail to guided wellness experiences that make healthier choices easier and more intuitive.
Future Solutions Combine Technology and Human Interaction
The future is less about “more technology” and more about connected technology that reduces friction and supports healthier routines in a natural way.
Digital enables precision and personalization. In-store experiences build trust, discovery, and emotional connection. Future solutions will be more personalized and guided, helping consumers navigate what’s right for them, proactively recommending products, connecting nutrition to health outcomes, and incentivizing purchases within the retailer ecosystem. The winners will likely be the retailers that can connect consumer intent, personalized guidance, real-time incentives, and simplified execution into one seamless experience that includes human interaction empowered by data and technology.
Nourishing Change, founded by Kroger Health, hosted Hy-Vee: “This is where bold ideas meet practical action, where collaboration becomes real change and where the future of health is shaped through disruption, partnership and purpose.”
At the conclusion of the conference, plans for Ahold Delhaize USA to host in 2027 were announced. The movement continues to grow and strengthen. We’ll see you there!
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