Rural Grocery Store Challenge… Which is the Arugula Aisle?

Though a lot of folks want a big chain supermarket in rural areas like Hickman County, I try to remind people that the answer to their want for better grocery choices may be improved local or regional based grocery stores. Kansas State University’s Center for Engagement and Community Development has recognized rural grocery stores’ importance to economic and community development and has established an initiative to develop and sustain them. The Rural Grocery Store Initiative website at http://www.ruralgrocery.org/ has some good information on best practices for grocers and rural communities. Though specifically geared toward Kansas, much of the information is relevant to rural grocery retailers in Tennessee.