Each year, National Grocer’s Association hosts their annual Best Bagger Championship during their annual convention.  Baggers from across the nation compete for the coveted title of “America’s Best Bagger”.

“NGA hosts a premier event featuring only the most talented baggers throughout the country,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.  “It’s a tremendous honor to qualify as a participant.”   

The 2019 convention will take place in February in San Diego, CA.  Contestants are judged on speed, bag-building technique, weight distribution between bags, style, attitude and appearance.   

Dollie Jane Gravley, cashier/courtesy clerk for the Galax, VA Food City will be representing the state of Virginia in the competition.  Dollie, age 17, is currently a Senior at Carroll County High School.  She joined the Galax Food City team in June of 2017.  Dollie also volunteers her time and talents at Mountain View Vet Clinic and plans to further her education to become a veterinarian. 

“I love working at Food City and helping our customers,” says Gravley.  “I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity to go to San Diego and represent Food City and the state of Virginia.” 

“Food City is extremely proud to be represented by such an outstanding, talented young individual.  Dollie is an asset to our company and our region,” says Smith.

NGA is an organization dedicated to keeping its members and the industry informed and educated about business issues important to independent grocers, engage broad consistencies and gain support for its mission, public policies, and programs.  For more information, visit their website at www.nationalgrocers.org.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 130 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.