AWG featured in ‘America 250’ documentary on American grocery

KANSAS CITY, Kan., AUGUST 4, 2026 – Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) BB #:101651, the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler, is featured in a new USA Today documentary that explores the essential role independent grocers play in communities across America, and the cooperative network that helps them thrive.

The film examines the increasingly complex food supply chain that powers grocery retail while highlighting the local stores that remain at the heart of towns and neighborhoods nationwide. Through interviews with AWG leaders and member retailers, the documentary illustrates how independent grocers provide food access, local ownership, and community connection in an era of rapid industry change.

Incorporated in 1926, AWG was created by independent grocers who joined together to increase their collective buying power and strengthen their ability to compete. Today, the cooperative serves more than 3,500 independently owned grocery locations across 33 states.

“Independent grocers have been serving as the backbone of their communities for generations,” said Dan Funk, President and CEO of AWG. “This film highlights not only the critical role they play in feeding America, but also the power of the cooperative model that allows locally owned retailers to remain strong, competitive, and deeply connected to the people they serve.”

The documentary arrives as America celebrates its 250th birthday and AWG celebrates its own centennial milestone. Together, those anniversaries offer an opportunity to reflect on the enduring importance of local entrepreneurship, community resilience, and the essential role grocery stores have played throughout American history.

The film also examines how the grocery industry is adapting to new challenges, including supply chain complexity, severe weather disruptions, labor pressures, and rapidly evolving consumer expectations. AWG leaders discuss how investments in logistics, automation, and technology are helping independent retailers navigate these challenges while preserving the personal relationships that distinguish local grocery stores from larger competitors.

From supporting local schools and charities to serving as gathering places during emergencies, independent grocery stores often function as much more than retail businesses. They are community institutions, family legacies, and economic anchors that contribute to the vitality of America.

“As the industry continues to evolve, our purpose remains the same,” Funk added. “We exist to help independent retailers succeed. When they succeed, communities are stronger, local economies are stronger, and families continue to have access to the food and services they depend on every day.”

The documentary is now available to view on USA Today America 250 feature page.

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products. For more information, visit www.awginc.com.