Like many Kansas communities, Morland is fighting population decline. After losing its only grocery store four and a half years ago, its citizens finally decided to do something about it. Instead of driving 11 miles to Hill City for groceries, Morland residents are trying to re-open its own store.
According to the Topeka Capital-Journal:
…Morland and the others decided to slate a town meeting to see if residents were interested in doing something to keep the grocery store open.
Eventually, the Morland Community Foundation purchased the building and installed a new roof. Grant money was used to replace windows and doors and have the building rewired, replumbed and reinsulated.
A licensed, incubator kitchen will be installed to prepare food products for use by citizens or to be sold at the store.
Minium said $75,000 to $80,000 is needed for a refrigeration system, and $40,000 is required for inventory. The grocery store, which will retain its wooden floors and tin ceiling, is expected to reopen this fall.
Since 2006, 82 of the 213 groceries serving Kansas communities with populations of 2,500 or less have closed, David Procter, director of the Center for Engagement and Community Development at Kansas State University, said.
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