BISMARCK — A new pilot program is here to support rural grocery stores in North Dakota. The plan focuses on creating a joint distribution network and boosting the presence of locally produced food in the state. This initiative is led by the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, backed by a significant $12.6 million investment from the Bush Foundation.
In recent years, rural grocery stores have dwindled, dropping from 137 in 2014 to just 90 today. This trend has contributed to food deserts, leaving some residents with a 10-mile or longer drive to find groceries.
According to Ellen Huber, a rural development director for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, many small stores end up paying higher prices for wholesale goods compared to larger chains. Surprisingly, despite North Dakota’s strong crop production, much of the food must be processed outside the state and returned at inflated prices.
The pilot program will establish a food hub in north-central North Dakota designed to store and distribute local foods. Six to eight grocery stores near Minot have already shown interest in joining the venture, and more may sign on.
The main goal? Unite rural grocery stores to harness their collective purchasing power, making it easier to lower wholesale costs. Huber believes this hub will enable local farmers to get their products directly to rural shelves, keeping more food within North Dakota. “Our aim is to create a reliable source of local food for everyday North Dakotans,” she said.
Quinn Renfandt, a specialty crop farmer from Minot, expressed optimism about the program. He noted that running a small food business is challenging, and this initiative could help level the playing field for smaller operators. “This program is a valuable tool to enhance our efficiency,” he stated.
Lyndsay Ulrickson, a grantmaking officer at the Bush Foundation, highlighted the project’s importance. She mentioned that if the pilot succeeds, it might expand beyond local boundaries. “We hope to inspire further investments in this critical work,” she added.
The program will unfold over several years. The first two to three years will focus on gathering insights from grocers and food producers. By the third or fourth year, Huber hopes the food hub will be operational. It’s a long journey, but Huber is hopeful. “We want to see changes within a year to help rural grocers reduce their costs,” she explained.
This initiative not only addresses economic challenges but also taps into a growing trend of community-supported agriculture. As people become more aware of the benefits of local food systems, programs like this could play a vital role in fostering strong ties between farmers and communities.
Recent studies show that local food systems can enhance food security while supporting local economies. A report from the USDA noted that areas with strong local food initiatives tend to have better access to healthy options, improving community health overall.
In summary, this pilot program could be a game-changer for rural grocery stores in North Dakota, making local food more accessible while also supporting small farmers.
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NORTH DAKOTA,NORTH DAKOTA MONITOR
