In a recent meeting of the North Dakota Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division, discussions centered around the critical role of community-driven initiatives in sustaining local grocery stores, particularly in rural areas. The meeting, held on February 17, 2025, highlighted the efforts of the City of Crystal, a small community with a population of just 112, which successfully revitalized its only grocery store through a collaborative funding approach.

Mayor Larry McCollum shared the story of how the Crystal Community Booster Club raised over $100,000 to purchase a convenience store after the previous owner retired and could not find a buyer. This initiative was supported by a Food Access Grant Program, which provided $136,000—less than the requested $300,000—leaving the project short of funds for necessary equipment upgrades and building repairs. Despite these challenges, McCollum expressed optimism, stating, “Our project went smoothly. The community got what they were after by putting the project together.”

The meeting underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing food access issues in rural North Dakota. Dawn, a representative from the Booster Club, noted that while many Americans live within walking distance of grocery stores, rural residents often face significant travel distances to access fresh food. She emphasized that only 8% of rural residents nationwide must drive 10 to 20 miles for groceries, highlighting the unique challenges faced by communities like Crystal.

Maria Efritz from the Department of Commerce supported the continuation of funding for such projects, citing the success of previous grants that helped establish grocery facilities in various communities. She confirmed that the last round of funding had been fully utilized, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives in keeping grocery stores operational.

As the committee deliberated on future funding, there was a palpable sense of urgency to address the needs of rural communities. Senator Dwyer remarked on the importance of ensuring that grocery stores remain viable, asking if the funded projects had successfully maintained or established grocery services. Efritz affirmed that the Crystal project was a prime example of how targeted funding could lead to tangible improvements in food access.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a growing recognition of the need for sustained investment in rural food access initiatives, as communities strive to overcome the challenges posed by distance and limited resources. As the committee considers future appropriations, the success of the Crystal project may serve as a model for similar efforts across the state.