Independent grocery stores are at the heart of Adirondack communities. They provide essential access to fresh food, keep dollars circulating locally, and serve as gathering places in towns where options are few. Yet many rural grocers operate on razor-thin margins, facing challenges like outdated equipment, high energy costs, and limited infrastructure.
AdkAction’s Rural Grocery Initiative, supported by an Adirondack Foundation Generous Acts grand, is designed to support these small but vital businesses. Through personalized consulting and access to micro-grants, the program helps grocers identify needs, plan for upgrades, and secure funding for improvements like refrigeration units, cold storage, HVAC systems, and energy efficiency measures.
Participating stores will receive:
- Three collaborative consulting sessions tailored to their goals
- Strategic support to strengthen operations and increase revenue
- Eligibility for micro-grant funding to upgrade infrastructure and expand fresh food access
This work not only strengthens local businesses but also ensures that Adirondack families continue to have reliable access to fresh, healthy food.
Do you know a grocery store that could benefit? Please share our program flyer with your local store owner or manager and help us spread the word: