SPRINGVIEW, Neb. - The owners of Homeland Grocery, the only grocery store in Springview, have announced they will be stepping away from the business at the end of February, leaving the future of the store uncertain.

In a Facebook message to the community, the owners shared that they will no longer be operating the store after Feb. 28, 2025.

“At this time, we are uncertain as to what will happen with the store in the future,” they wrote. “During this time, we ask for your patience and kindness as we try to figure out the next steps.”

With no other grocery store in town, the closure could mean longer trips for basic necessities. This is a trend across Nebraska. According to research from the Center for Rural Affairs, the state lost 30% of its independent rural grocery stores between 2016 and 2021. The study found that in some of the state’s most isolated communities, the nearest grocery store can be as far as 80 miles away.

Researchers found that one major challenge for small grocers is meeting wholesale minimums. To get access to lower prices, stores must order a certain amount of product—but for many rural businesses, even the minimum order is more than they can sell.

State lawmakers are now considering ways to help struggling rural grocers. As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, LB 375 is aimed at strengthening small-town grocery stores. The bill would provide funding for technology upgrades, assistance in applying for federal grants, and cooperative buying programs. These programs would allow smaller stores to combine wholesale orders with other businesses—such as schools, restaurants, and nursing homes—to meet supplier requirements.

But despite the growing need, lawmakers are hesitant about the bill’s $2 million per year price tag.

“I don’t think the fiscal note is very friendly,”  said Senator Ben Hansen. “They’re saying there’s 66 counties that contain one or more food deserts. This implies that there will be as many as 110 applicants for the program. That doesn’t seem like a lot. Based on this estimate, this will require an economic development manager, an economic development consultant and an IT database analyst to create the application and the grant management system.”

Meanwhile, Springview Homeland Grocery owners expressed their appreciation for the support they’ve received.

“We are very sorry about this news and would like to thank everyone who has supported us along the way.”