Thousands of independent grocers are heading to the SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo

Grocery stores are like people—they come in all different shapes and sizes. And here at The Local Checkout, I’ll be taking a closer look through a wide lens of independent grocery stores. Because just like people—they all matter.   

Helping indies grow

More than 2,000 independent grocers are packing their bags and heading to Grand Rapids, Michigan, next week to attend the SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo.

The two-day event is shaping up to be the largest in the company's history, according to a statement from SpartanNash.

"Our expo brings together top vendor partners and thousands of customers and associates from across the country for an annual exchange of best practices, innovative thinking and food solutions," SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam said in a statement.  "It's our responsibility to help our independent customers grow by facilitating these relationships, sharing success strategies and continuing to invest in their business with initiatives like our merchandising transformation."

So, if you are in Grand Rapids next Wednesday or Thursday you might just meet a handful of indie grocers. How cool is that?

Happy Birthday MOM’s

MOM's Organic Market is celebrating 36 years in the independent grocery space. 

Scott Nash founded the now wildly popular organic market in his mom’s garage in 1987 with an initial investment of $100. MOM’s Organic Market now operates over 15 stores in Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Massachusetts. For anyone reading this, don’t give up on your dreams. Happy Birthday!

Grocery and tacos? Yes, please!

Adasa Latin Market, a family-owned grocery store in the heart of Springfield, Ohio, is now open. Located at 1883 S. Limestone St., the grocery store also features a taco bar. According to the grocer’s post on Facebook: “Our skilled chefs are dedicated to crafting mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dishes, from classic tacos to flavorful burritos and irresistible quesadillas. Whether you're in a hurry or looking to enjoy a delightful meal with friends and family, our cozy seating area is the perfect spot to savor the flavors of Latin cuisine.”

To do list: come for the groceries, stay for lunch. Sounds like a great plan.

Grocery donation

This week’s #KindnessCostsNothing shoutout goes to Iowa-based Fareway Stores, Inc. The family-owned grocery retailer is partnering with Variety—the Children’s Charity—to conduct the seventh-annual Round Up at the register this month at all Fareway locations.

The money raised through the Round Up will provide mobility equipment to children living with special needs, as well as fund and deliver effective programs and grants to care for children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill or living with special needs.

“We are thankful for this opportunity to once again partner with Fareway to help Iowa’s children,” said Sheri McMichael, executive director of Variety. “The round up is a great example of how Fareway customers and employees continuously show how much they care for children in need.”

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