Bill on governor’s desk would give $1 million to struggling rural North Dakota grocery stores

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Rural grocery stores have been given a potential lifeline with the North Dakota House passing Senate Bill 2228 on Tuesday. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to provide grants to preserve or reopen rural grocery stores. The bill has widespread support and no opposing testimony was submitted. Rural grocery stores are at risk of being pushed out of North Dakota communities by Dollar General, which has been “devastating” for local businesses, according to John Felding, a board member for the only New England grocery store. He reports an immediate 20-30% drop in sales after Dollar General entered the community. The concern of impacts of dollar stores and massive chain grocers was echoed in multiple testimonies. The bill now goes to the governor for signature or veto.