Rural Grocery Initiative

Travel Support for the 2026 NRG Summit

The Rural Grocery Initiative is facilitating two travel support options for the 2026 NRG Summit. Continue reading to learn more.

 

Travel Scholarships (KS only)

Thanks to the Sunflower Foundation, travel scholarships are available to help cover the cost of attending the summit. Travel scholarships are currently available for Kansas Grocers planning to attend the summit. To be considered for a travel scholarship, please read the following details and apply below.

Award decisions and notification:

Travel scholarships will be awarded on a sliding scale based on the estimates provided in the application below with a cap of $500. Initial award decisions will be made March 31. Applications received after March 31 will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Award notifications will be shared by email.


Travel scholarship recipient expectations:
Selected travel scholarship recipients must send a completed W9 to conference organizers in order to receive payment. All travel scholarship recipients must attend the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in person. Anyone who accepts a travel scholarship and does not attend the summit will be required to return the scholarship amount in full.

Sunflower Foundation

Would your organization like to sponsor travel scholarships to the National Rural Grocery Summit?
Reach out to rgi@ksu.edu to learn more.



Apply Now 
Travel Scholarships (Rural ND only)
The North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperative is serving as a co-host for the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit. With support from a generous funder interested in strengthening rural food access and sustaining small town grocery stores, travel assistance is also available for owners, staff and board members of grocery stores in communities with populations of 2,500 or less.

Funding is limited. To be considered for a travel scholarship, please review and apply using the form linked below. Completed applications can be submitted by email to NDAREC Rural Development Program Coordinator Keiara Lesmeister at klesmeister@ndarec.com.

TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
Allowable travel scholarship expenses (maximum $500 total per individual and $1,000 per store)
  • Registration
  • Hotel lodging
  • Travel (mileage reimbursement @ $0.725/mile)
Award decisions and notification:
Travel scholarship amounts will be awarded based on estimates provided in this application. Initial award decisions will be made March 20. Applications received after March 20 will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. Award notifications will be made by email.

Travel scholarship recipient expectations:
Selected travel scholarship recipients must submit a completed W9 to receive payment. All travel scholarship recipients must attend the 2026 National Rural Grocery Summit in person. Anyone that accepts a travel scholarship and does not attend the summit will be required to return the scholarship amount in full.
Submit Form 
Ride the Bus to the 2026 NRG Summit

The Rural Grocery Initiative is offering an optional charter bus for attendees traveling from Kansas. The bus will depart from Wichita, make a stop in Kansas City, and continue on to Fargo, North Dakota, where the conference will be held.

Cost: $250 per person
Bus capacity: 50 passenger charter bus

Departure:
Monday, May 4, 2026
The bus will depart from Wichita, stop in Kansas City, and arrive in Fargo that evening.

Return:
Friday, May 8, 2026
The bus will depart Fargo and return to Kansas City then Wichita that evening.

Important details:

  • Participants must select their pickup location during registration. Pickup locations will be either in Wichita or Kansas City and will will have overnight parking available nearby. Specific pickup locations and departure times are to be determined and will be shared with registered riders closer to the event.
  • Bus riders will be able to participate in an optional tour on Tuesday 5/5 (separate registration required), if they choose.
  • A bus ticket does not constitute event registration. Registration for the NRG Summit must be completed separately.
  • Food, beverages, and any shopping during stops are not included in bus ticket
  • The charter bus is equipped with a restroom and outlets for charging devices
  • Total travel time is approximately 12 hours.

Space is limited, and registration is required to reserve a seat.

If we reach capacity, priority will be given to rural Kansas grocers. If we do not receive enough interest to cover costs for the bus, this travel option may be cancelled. A final decision would be made by March 15, 2026.

Reserve Your Seat