University of Minnesota Extension Extending Help to Keep Rural Grocery Stores From Disappearing

(KNSI) — Grocery stores serving small towns are seeing a bit of a resurgence thanks to a statewide program.

Nearly a decade ago, as stores started closing at a rapid pace, the state began providing grants through the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnership initiative to keep more from disappearing.

Since 2017, loans and grants have been available to cover equipment costs and other needs.

In the western Minnesota town of Clinton, population 400, Bonnie’s Hometown Grocery has used state aid to replace refrigerators and pay for roof repairs. Owner Bonnie Maas believes that without the help, they wouldn’t be able to serve those who’ve relied on her store for years. “We still have a lot of elderly clientele that come up there, and they really have nice access to good food. We will deliver if they need it.”

She says they continue to work around challenges, pointing out that rising food costs and the popularity of online shopping will keep the pressure up on independent stores.

Kathy Draeger leads the U of M Extension’s development outreach initiative and feels the expansion of dollar stores is another obstacle for smaller groceries, but so is the passage of time. “Just like we see an aging population in farmers, we’re seeing an aging population in rural grocery store owners.”

The state has 250 grocery stores in communities of 2,500 people or fewer. According to Hunger Solutions, 235,000 Minnesotans live more than ten miles from a large grocery store or supermarket.

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