Kelsey Willardson.

Across Iowa, independent grocery stores keep their small towns vibrant. They support and strengthen rural economies and contribute to healthy communities.

For many generations, Logan Super Foods has served the citizens of Logan, Iowa. As the town’s main grocery source, the store has cemented itself as an essential part of the community, prioritizing relationships and connections.

Successful rural grocery stores, like Logan Super Foods, go above and beyond to serve their customers. Examples may include offering a wide variety of specialty and local items, delivering grocery orders when someone is sick or otherwise unable to shop, and sponsoring local causes in the community.

Another important aspect of rural grocery stores is their ability to preserve rural identities. People want to live where there is a sense of community. Stores may act as a social hub for residents and serve up lunches at a deli counter to bring people together.

Often selling locally produced and sourced products, rural grocery stores also help small businesses and farmers generate income, keeping money close to home. Supporting community members furthers economic relationships and drives the local economy.

Their commitment to serving community members allows rural grocery stores to serve as a lifeline during emergencies as well. They create a level of trust and loyalty in the towns they reside in and the businesses and customers they serve.

As a staple in many rural communities, grocery stores are the heart of the community and relationship building. We must support their efforts to preserve the rural identity in populations across Iowa.

The next time you are traveling through Iowa, visit an independent grocery store to see the value they bring to their community.

Kelsey Willardson is a policy associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.