Why These Two Iowa Towns No Longer Have a Grocery Store

Two small Iowa towns will no longer have access to groceries, as stores in both towns recently closed. Now, those residents will have to travel at least half an hour to get food.

What Two Grocery Stores Closed?

WHO reports that back in June, the Dayton Community Grocery announced it would be closing. Despite a month-long effort to save the store, it simply wasn't enough. According to a statement, the Dayton store was not able to compete with big-box stores to generate the income necessary to stay open. The store closed on Tuesday.

Just 10 miles east of Dayton was the Stratford Food Center. WHO reports that its closure was heavily influenced by the Dayton grocery store's closing. A board member told WHO that the stores were sharing a truck that would deliver supplies. When the Dayton store closed, Stratford no longer had access to a truck. The store announced its closure on Thursday.

Where Will Residents Go For Groceries?

WHO reports that with the two grocery stores closing, nearly 1500 residents will now have to travel to the towns of Boone or Jewell, both around 30 minutes away. The grocery store in Jewell has faced difficulties, too. It only recently reopened after a community fundraising effort, according to WHO.