Multiday campaign illuminates efforts to boost industry through diversity, promotion, leadership development, student programs and technical assistance
Washington, D.C. – The National Grocers Association Foundation (NGAF) called attention to its initiatives designed to advance diversity, leadership development and career advancement in the independent grocery industry during Foundation Awareness Week, July 10-14, 2023.
The campaign focused on a different pillar of Foundation priorities each day with targeted content shared though member communications and social media posts, including testimonials by key participants in Foundation initiatives. Content demonstrated the importance of such programs to the future of the independent grocery industry and how member donation support drives program success.
“From helping grocers attract and retain top talent, to mentoring students and promoting grocery as a career option, to encouraging diversity initiatives to help retailers better reflect the communities they serve, the NGA Foundation is dedicated to supporting independent grocers,” NGAF Director Chelsea Matzen said. “We welcome grocers’ continued support of Foundation programs, whether through donations or commitment of their time and expertise.”
Monday, July 10, focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, encompassing NGAF’s Women Grocers of America, its share groups of woman executives and emerging leaders, and related scholarship programs. NGAF diversity programs include the PepsiCo Diversity in Leadership and WGA scholarships, awarded annually to those seeking to attend NGAF’s Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP); and educational webinars, including one on hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tuesday, July 11, focused on industry promotion, including support for efforts to attract and retain a talented work force for independent grocers. Communicating the importance of the grocery industry is essential to ensuring retailers have access to qualified candidates to strengthen their business. Initiatives include NGAF’s Career Center, which allows NGA members to post job opportunities at no cost; and educational content about the diversity of positions available in the independent grocery industry and the value of these careers.
Wednesday, July 12, brought attention to student programs, including the annual Student Case Study Competition, as well as NGAF’s extensive scholarship program for college students exploring careers in the grocery industry. Since 2016, more than 100 students have received NGAF scholarships. Donations to NGAF help fund more scholarships to help students continue their education and gain careers in the independent grocery industry; grow the diversity within our student programs; send more students to The NGA Show every year to participate in the case study competition; and create better and more relevant case studies for students to learn about the grocery industry.
Thursday, July 13, looked at leadership development, including the Executive Leadership Development Program, NGAF’s annual conference held at Cornell University. Over the past decade, more than 400 emerging leaders have graduated from the ELDP. Support for NGAF strengthens programs that retain top industry talent; creates the next generation by investing in their futures now; and builds tomorrow’s leaders through programs like ELDP as well as WGA’s Emerging and Executive Female Leadership share groups.
Friday, July 14, focused on technical assistance for independent grocers administered by NGAF, including how to offer SNAP online and other nutrition incentive programs. The Foundation works to create an equal opportunity for retailers to gain access to these critical programs; support food access in underserved communities; and champion SNAP choice for customers by incentivizing healthy eating rather than restricting their options.
“NGA members are at the heart of the community and the NGAF Technical Assistance Center is committed to creating awareness and providing the necessary resources to help our members fulfill that mission,” said Jimmy Wright, owner of Alabama-based Wright’s Market.
To review social media coverage of NGA Foundation Awareness Week, visit https://www.facebook.com/NGAFoundation, https://www.linkedin.com/company/nga-foundation/ and https://twitter.com/NGA_Foundation; search #NGAFAwarenessWeek.
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About the NGA Foundation
The NGA Foundation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit arm of the National Grocers Association. The Foundation provides independent retailers with tools to develop more effective recruiting programs, enhance retention efforts and bolster professional leadership development opportunities for employers. For more information, visit www.ngafoundation.org.
