Sam Newman works at the intersection of food, health, and community development, driving innovative solutions that expand access to nutritious, affordable food in underserved areas. With over a decade of leadership experience at Texas-based grocery company H-E-B and the national nonprofit Brighter Bites, Sam witnessed the persistent challenges of inequitable food access, particularly for fresh and healthy options, despite growing market demand.

Motivated by the belief that “we only see what we expect to see, until we change our expectations,” Sam founded Little Red Box Grocery—a community market in Houston designed to reshape conversations and expectations around access to good food. Although the venture was not financially sustainable, it succeeded in its broader mission: creating a purpose-built space for connection and creativity, with food serving as its foundation. One store, on one block, in one neighborhood, Little Red Box made meaningful efforts to challenge systemic barriers.

Building on these lessons, Sam now leads Grocery Connect, a cross-sector partnership supported by Bonton Farms, Kroger, and Share Our Strength, focused on addressing the economic and social drivers of health in Dallas. Earlier in his career, Sam worked in international trade and development with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the World Bank. He holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.B.A. from Georgetown University, and is a 2018 Presidential Leadership Scholar.