An idea developed at Kansas State University to support rural grocery stores in transitioning to new ownership has expanded into a network of resource providers across 11 states.

Clara Misenhelter, program manager for K-State’s Rural Grocery Initiative, credits an online course for helping address a growing concern in rural communities.

A 2021 survey of rural Kansas grocers revealed that nearly 1 in 4 planned to retire within five years, and 73% did not have a plan for transferring store ownership after retirement.

To address this, the Rural Grocery Initiative launched an online course last year to train those already working in rural areas on how to effectively transition a grocery store.

In 2024, 19 students across 11 states, including Kansas, completed the course.

Supporting grocery store owners during transitions is essential for ensuring rural communities retain access to their local stores, according to Misenhelter.

Between 2008 and 2018, 1 in 5 Kansas grocery stores closed, a trend also seen nationwide.

Rural grocery stores are vital infrastructure for these communities, impacting health, the economy, and society. Keeping them open is crucial.

The online course is tailored for extension professionals, community developers, and others who support rural grocery stores. It covers topics such as building relationships with store owners, transition planning, business valuation, and other practical tools.

The course assignments are designed with real-world applications in mind.