Cooperative Development

Given the many challenges rural grocery stores faces, communities all over Kansas and the country are getting creative and exploring community-supported ownership models to maintain food access. This includes the cooperative business model, where the business is owned by the people who use the store’s products and services.

Through a Rural Cooperative Development Grant, the Rural Grocery Initiative (RGI) supports communities and businesses that are considering the cooperative model. Through the grant, RGI provides technical assistance and develops resources to help communities consider their options.