The Heart of the Industry

Through programs that support first responders, address food insecurity and invest in future leaders, the NACS Foundation continues to expand its reach and impact. As executive director of the NACS Foundation, Kevin O’Connell works closely with industry partners to make a difference in communities across the United States.

What are some of the biggest initiatives the NACS Foundation is focused on right now?

On the programming side, all three of our major pillars—Future Fund, Response Relief and Neighborhood Nourish—are seeing record partici­pation and engagement. Future Fund had a record number of scholarship applications this year with more than 100 applicants; 24/7 Day had partic­ipation from retailers in all 50 states for the first time; and we received more than 600 First Responder of the Year nominations. We’re continuing to see strong momentum behind Neighborhood Nourish with activations like meal packing and food recovery events, including a successful June meal packing event in Raleigh, North Carolina, that put together more than 2,000 nutritious meal bags. There’s a real appetite throughout the industry to make a positive difference in communities. 

Looking back on the year so far, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

What excites me most and makes me proud of this work is seeing the real, tangible impact the NACS Foundation makes. We’re helping convenience store employees and their dependents access educational oppor­tunities through the Future Fund scholar­ship—for some, that is their first rung of the ladder to furthering their education. We’re feeding children and their families through Neighborhood Nourish. We’re recognizing first responders who do critical work every day in our communities through 24/7 Day. Those aren’t just numbers on a report—they’re real people in communities across the country benefiting from the industry’s support.

I’m also proud that we’re helping shine a spotlight on places that often don’t receive national attention. Sometimes the most meaningful stories happen in the smallest towns. Those areas rely on their convenience stores, and it’s rewarding to see the industry recognized for the role it plays in connecting and serving customers.

Another thing I’m really proud of is that we are making an impact across multiple areas simultaneously. When I look at other association foundations, many focus on a single area. We have three core pillars and we’re activating across all of them exceedingly well. We’re punching above our weight class across all of our workstreams.

Part of this is thanks to the level of support we’ve received from across the industry, which I am very grateful to have. Retailers and suppliers have truly stepped up and embraced the NACS Foundation’s vision, and they continue to invest their time, expertise, dollars and resources into helping us grow.

The volunteer support has also been incredible. We have board members, committee members and advisors throughout the industry contributing hours of their personal and professional time, as well as their knowledge, because they believe in what we’re building and want to amplify the industry’s philanthropic efforts.

Why is it important for retailers to be involved in their communities?

Retailers know their communities better than anyone else.

One of the things we’ve learned through programs like 24/7 Day is that every community is different. Retailers know which first responders deserve recognition. They know which local organizations need support. They know what challenges their community is facing. What I’ve loved seeing is how retailers make these events their own. Some bring in local bands, food trucks or civic organizations. Others use the opportunity to support additional community groups with donations or partner with other small businesses in the area. They take a national initiative like 24/7 Day and make it incredibly personal and local.

The same thing applies to Neighborhood Nourish. Every community has different needs around where food will make the most impact or who needs the most help. Some retailers work with schools. Some work with food pantries. Others work with youth organizations. Our role is to provide a framework that allows retailers to make a difference where it matters most.

Neighborhood Nourish has grown significantly. What’s next for that program?

We’re really excited about the future of Neighborhood Nourish. In the short term, we are primarily focused on feeding chil­dren. We know there are so many popula­tions out there that need food support, such as veterans or senior citizens, but children are the primary group we are supporting right now.

One of our goals is to continue expanding meal-packing events around the country. Those events are locally focused, so volunteers feel a connection to the work and the impact is felt at home. What makes those events special is that retailers and suppliers come together, roll up their sleeves and work side by side for a common cause. It’s not a business meeting. It’s people coming together to do something good, no matter what logo is on your shirt.

We’re also looking closely at food insecurity and food recovery. We know there is an opportunity for the industry to play a larger role in helping feed families and reducing waste. Over the next several years, we’d like to provide more resources, tools and guidance that help retailers navigate those opportunities. At the end of the day, food is one of the most important ways convenience retailers serve their communities, and we want to help amplify that impact.

Is there a moment from this year that really captured the NACS Foundation’s impact for you?

A moment that stayed with me was attending a 24/7 Day event in Charlottesville, Virginia, where we recognized a K-9 officer and his dog, Dembe, as one of our 2026 First Responders of the Year. In addition to a recognition ceremony with colleagues and family, and receiving a $500 gift card and some favorite c-store treats, we gave the dog a personalized collar that said First Responder of the Year.

What really struck me was thinking about what that recognition will mean years from now. There will come a day when that officer and his family are looking through photographs and keepsakes from his career. They will be sitting around a Thanksgiving table talking about this time and this recognition, and they will still have those momentos, those physical reminders that their community appreciated what they did and the service they gave.

That’s what I love about the NACS Foundation’s work. We help create moments where people feel seen and appreciated. No one had to recognize this officer and his effort, but we did. The convenience industry cared about him. We make it personal. Impact isn’t always measured in dollars or statistics. It’s measured by knowing someone took the time to recognize another person, and in this case, in a field where there is no expectation of a thank you at the end of the day. You could see the emotion on the officer’s face, and how much it meant to hear that he was doing a great job.

How can retailers and suppliers get more involved with the NACS Foundation?

There are many ways to participate. You can join one of our committees. You can volunteer for programs like 24/7 Day, which is a great place to start, or host an event in your local community with Neighborhood Nourish. Some people support fundraising efforts or contribute resources and expertise. The NACS Foundation is really powered by people who want to give back to the industry and their communities.

If a retailer or supplier has an idea or feels inspired to get involved with their community or simply wants to learn more, we want to have that conversation. We have toolkits, resources and programs that can help companies make an impact regardless of their size. We can dream up the possibilities together.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the NACS Foundation?

I think we’re just getting started.

The opportunity to expand Neighborhood Nourish, continue growing Future Fund and build on the success of 24/7 Day is tremendous. But more than that, I’m excited about the industry coming together for a shared purpose.

NACS has a lot of impact on the industry in a lot of ways. The government relations team, for example, is the voting arm of the industry. The NACS Foundation is the heart of the industry. If we can continue helping retailers and suppliers make a difference in their communities while strengthening the reputation of convenience retail, that’s a future I’m incredibly excited about.

Join NACS Foundation Executive Director Kevin O’Connell during the 2026 NACS Show Education Session “More Heart Than Means—Community Engagement Behind the Scenes” on Tuesday, October 6, at 2:45 p.m. or visit the NACS Foundation booth (C200). Learn more about the foundation at conveniencecares.org.