Empowering communities: Grocers bring hope to rural America

Across the United States, small-town grocery stores play a vital role in their communities, offering food, social interaction and support. Grocers like R.F. Buche and Diana Hahn are determined to keep their stores running despite the hurdles.

Buche, a fourth-generation grocer, runs Buche Foods near Native American reservations in South Dakota, emphasizing community and service over profit.

“It’s more than just selling food,” Buche said. “For me, it’s about serving the community and keeping it alive.”

Hahn, owner of Jim’s Super Valu in Parker, North Dakota, collaborates with local stores to cut waste and costs.

“We work together to keep our shelves stocked and our produce fresh,” Hahn said. “It’s a team effort to ensure our community has what it needs.”

The USDA reports many rural counties lack food retailers, making grocers’ work crucial. Organizations such as the Rural Grocery Initiative at Kansas State University offer support, recognizing these stores’ significance for local jobs and tax revenue. Despite thin margins, Buche and Hahn are committed to their communities, showing resilience and dedication.

Both grocers sponsor local events, support church bazaars and assist during emergencies. Their stores are lifelines for their communities.

“We’re not just a store,” Hahn said. “We’re a part of the community.”

Hahn’s cooperative buying method keeps shelves stocked and produce fresh, demonstrating the ingenuity needed to succeed. The Rural Grocery Initiative connects stores, providing tools for success.

Buche and Hahn, like many grocers, face challenges head-on to serve their communities.

“One thing about us retailers, we’re used to getting kicked in the teeth,” Buche said. “We’re used to getting knocked down, but we always get back up.”

For Buche and Hahn, retail grocery is about serving their community, keeping it alive, and maintaining a high quality of life.

“It’s a love of serving your community,” Buche said. “And a love of keeping things good in your community.”