SPRINGVIEW, Neb. — In many rural Nebraska towns, the local grocery store is far more than a place to grab milk and bread. It’s a hub for connection, economic stability and community life. But over the past three decades, those stores have been vanishing at an alarming pace.

Springview — with a population of fewer than 250 and located more than two hours from the nearest Walmart — nearly became the latest town to lose its store earlier this year. Homeland Grocery was scheduled to close, but Beth Moessner and her two sons stepped in to keep the doors open.

“We keep continuing to improve, and get more products on our shelves,” Moessner said.

The family says making sure residents have access to fresh food is what drives them.

“We have elderly people who really need to have access to the grocery store,” Moessner said. “We were really torn apart about it because there’s such a need here in our small town.”

That need reflects a bigger challenge across Nebraska. Between 2016 and 2021, the state lost 30% of its independent rural grocery stores, according to a report funded by the Center for Rural Affairs and the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association. Competition from retailers like Dollar General, higher wholesale costs and razor-thin profit margins are among the leading causes.

“With the high cost of food and then the profit margins really little for the small grocer,” said Tom Moessner, Beth’s son.

The Moessners are hoping local products can help the store stand out.

“We were kind of raised in farmer’s markets, and we’d like to incorporate the farming aspect into the grocery and the local meats, and have a canning section and a baking section,” Tom said.

It’s a recipe the family hopes will not only keep the store afloat but also provide healthier choices for the community.

“We just love this small town and the community,” Beth said.