New study shows Nebraska’s small town grocers are struggling [Video]

WAHOO, Neb (KMTV) — At the corner of 5th and Beech in Wahoo is a sight you can see in many small towns.

The old Wahoo Super grocery, “The Hometown Grocer” empty and out of business.

“Rural grocery stores have faced significant challenges for the last three decades. From low profit margins, aging facilities and changes in the food retail market,” said Carlie Jonas, a policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs.

The Center for Rural affairs, directed by the legislature, has been looking into small town grocers and rural food access.

The study found our local grocers are in a dire situation.

“Between 2016 and 2021 the number of independent grocery stores in rural parts of the state decreased by 30% and more have closed every year since then and more are at risk of closing,” said Jonas.

The study found that in some of Nebraska’s most rural …