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Rural Grocery Survey
Over the years, the Rural Grocery Initiative has collected information about rural grocery stores through conversations, workshops, meetings, and surveys.
In 2008, when the Rural Grocery Initiative was first learning about rural grocery challenges, a survey was sent to rural grocers and customers. The survey results helped inform the Rural Grocery Toolkit.
2021 Rural Grocery Survey
In 2021, an updated survey was sent to rural grocers across Kansas. Data analysis of this survey is currently underway.
About the survey
The Rural Grocery Initiative at Kansas State University is conducting a research study that will survey all rural and independent grocery stores in Kansas. The purpose of this research is to gather key information on the characteristics and best practices of rural and independent grocery stores in Kansas. The information will be used to develop helpful resources for rural grocery stores. A similar survey was conducted in 2008 that led to the development of the Rural Grocery Toolkit.
Use of this information
Responses to this survey will be used to characterize the state of rural and independent grocery in Kansas. A report will be created and shared through this website, the Rural Grocery Summit, and other affiliated outlets.
2008 Rural Grocery Survey & Results
More than 6,000 surveys left K-State in early March 2008 for a visit to rural grocery stores and customers in Kansas.
"There are actually two types of surveys that we sent, one for store owners, and one for grocery store customers," said Chandra Ruthstrom, administrative assistant for the Center for Engagement and Community Development at K-State.
The grocery store owner survey is intended to gather information state-wide to better understand industry challenges and strategies for success of rural Kansas grocery stores. The survey was sent to stores serving communities with a population of 2,000 or less. The information from these surveys will be shared with interested store owners at a rural grocer summit at the Kansas Sampler Foundation in Inman, Kan., on June 1, 2008.
The grocery store customer surveys are taking place in the service area of five cooperating grocery stores. These surveys went to every box holder within an area surrounding each of the cooperating stores; and the surveys will collect information that will help the stores better understand the product and service needs of the customers in their area.
The surveys were created by staff in Agricultural Economics at K-State, with the support and feedback from staff from the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development, the participating rural grocery store owners and CECD staff.
"While the immediate feedback of this project will help the participating stores, I am also pleased that these same survey tools will be available for use by K-State Research and Extension staff to assist other stores too," CECD Director David Procter said.
Rural Grocer Survey
The Rural Grocer Survey requests information from rural grocery store owners about products and services offered, suppliers, purchasing and delivery, locally grown food, challenges, collaboration, and store information.
Customer Preference Survey
The Customer Preference Survey requests information from rural grocery store customers and potential customers about grocery shopping expectations, how well your local store meets your needs, locally grown food preferences, and your grocery shopping habits.