Rural areas continue to lose grocery stores, gain dollar stores

[madville]

5. Most of the mom and pop grocers are gone

The small towns near where I grew up all had mom and pop family run grocery stores up until the 90's. The two owner operated ones I can think of that have survived are more meat market/butcher shop focused with modest grocery and produce sections. I always visit them when I am in those areas and pick up steaks, fresh made sausages and pork chops at least.

All these small towns have a Dollar General or Family Dollar now though. Dollar General has improved their offerings in recent years, they at least have some meats now like ground beef, sauasage, frozen chicken breasts/thighs/drumsticks, shrimp, eggs, milk, cheeses, and a variety of frozen vegetables. They also have a decent selection of canned and dried goods.

I do frequent the Dollar General four miles from my house because it's the closest store, I go to Walmart (12 miles) or Publix (10 miles) a couple of times per month to get my usual produce staples (tomatoes, onions, celery, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, oranges, grapefruits, etc).

Instacart will deliver out to my house from Publix, I do that occasionally when I don't have any other reason to go to the city.