A recent New York Times article, "Farm Country Feeds America. But Just Try Buying Groceries There," by Jack Healy, nailed what happens when a community loses its grocery store.

The article shares the story of Winchester, Illinois, whose only grocery store shuttered.

After fundraising efforts, similar to a grassroots movement we experienced in Clearwater, a community-owned grocery store opened; however, members were unable to land a produce supplier.

Now, the store sells produce and baked goods grown and made by local residents and offers cooking classes and wine tastings to draw customers t...