NORTH DAKOTA – Grocery stores in 11 North Dakota towns have been given a total of $1 million through the state’s Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant Program.
The money is an attempt to keep grocers and cooperatives in small communities going and make sure everyone has access to fresh, affordable food without having to go to far from home.
“The Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Grant is valuable to our region in helping communities sustain food access to residents and ensuring small businesses can serve communities for years to come,” Rural Growth Coordinator for the Roosevelt Custer Regional Council located in Bowman Andrea Bowman said. “New coolers and automated systems will have a big impact on maintaining efficiency, reducing costs, and keeping fresh food options available.”
The grocery stores receiving money include:
“These grants are a lifeline for small-town grocers who serve as anchors in their communities,” North Dakota Commerce Community Development and Rural Prosperity representative Nicolette Blumler said. “We’re proud to help support these towns in keeping shelves stocked and doors open.”
The funding for the grants was in a bill passed by the legislature this year. Each award includes a 20% community non-state match.
