Student Publications

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

11-10-2025

Division

Community and Regional Planning

Abstract

Rural grocery stores are cornerstone institutions that are central to the health and well-being of their communities - not only providing food, but also serving as spaces of economic development, cultural and historic preservation, social connection, and resilience. In response to the loss of many rural stores over recent decades, the ‘Revitalizing Rural Grocery Stores in Northern New Mexico’ handbook brings together community histories, political analysis, and practical strategies to support their protection and resurgence. The handbook shares findings on the multi-faceted importance of rural grocery stores and the causal factors in their loss; maps and photographs documenting the condition of stores across rural Northern New Mexico; and twelve case studies from active and closed rural grocery stores in Mora, Santa Fe, Taos, San Miguel, and Rio Arriba counties. A toolbox of community organizing, business operations, policy advocacy, and planning and land use strategies that can support a vibrant future for rural stores are provided.

Language (ISO)

English

Keywords

rural planning, grocery stores, general merchandise stores, Northern New Mexico, rural economic development, food systems, dollar stores, revitalization, rural health, food security

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