By Scout Nelson
Valley Foods Cooperative, located in rural Nebraska, reached a major milestone on October 24, 2024, hitting $1 million in total sales just 33 months after opening in February 2022. This achievement came faster than expected, thanks to strong community engagement and dedicated volunteer efforts.
Previously, the area was a food desert for two years. With guidance from rural development experts, Valley Foods opened to provide essential grocery services and quickly became a cornerstone of the community. The store’s management team consists of volunteers, with additional locals helping weekly to stock shelves and support operations.
Community support has been vital to the co-op’s success. A bulletin board in the store advertises local events and services, while the store actively participates in community activities, such as hosting food events for hunters. Additionally, competitive pricing ensures customers remain loyal, with staple items priced affordably to prevent shopping at larger stores in nearby towns.
The co-op received a $200,000 grant from the USDA’s Healthy Food Funding Initiative to enhance its infrastructure. These funds helped improve facilities by constructing a docking area, adding equipment like a walk-in freezer, and making the store more efficient and welcoming.
“They have really exceeded expectations,” said a rural development advisor. “To me, that’s the story. They put everything into it. It doesn’t mean that it’s easy, but they're continuing to work on it.”
The success of Valley Foods demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives. The store’s general manager emphasized the importance of teamwork, thanking stockholders, customers, and volunteers for their commitment. “People are the key,” he said, highlighting the collaborative effort that made this milestone possible.
Valley Foods continues to serve as an inspiring example of how rural communities can overcome challenges through determination and collective action.
Photo Credits:pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Nebraska, General