National Rural Grocery Summit
The event will include breakout sessions, an exhibitor fair, networking opportunities and four tours highlighting innovative rural grocery models throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.
This biennial event aims towill bring national attention to the innovative efforts underway to support rural grocery stores and improve food access across the country.
North Dakota State University Extension is a sponsor of the event, which is hosted by Kansas State University, the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.
In addition to keynotes from national leaders in rural life and grocery, this event will include over 25 breakout sessions, two evening receptions, a poster session, an exhibitor fair, networking opportunities and four tours highlighting innovative rural grocery models throughout Minnesota and North Dakota.
One panel presented by NDSU Extension is “Local Connections: A Grocery Store at the Heart of Rural Community,” which will highlight how owners revitalized their small-town grocery store using innovative programs.
Early bird registration rates are available through March 15. During this time, rural grocers receive complimentary registration for up to two people per store. After March 15, registration is $150 per grocer. Travel assistance is also available for owners, staff and board members of grocery stores in communities with populations of 2,500 or less.
Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to the event contact person at least two weeks in advance of the event.
