[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E746-E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                KENSINGTON COMMUNITY STORE SUCCESS STORY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
selfless efforts of the citizens of Kensington, Kansas in their work to 
re-open their community's grocery store.
  A little more than 19 months ago, this community's only grocery store 
closed. This town of 511 people immediately felt the loss of the store. 
Residents no longer had local access to basic necessities such as dry 
goods and fresh cuts of meat. The closest grocery store was in the 
county seat of Smith Center--nearly 15 miles away. I know that most 
Members of Congress do not have to concern themselves with whether 
their communities have a grocery store. However, for many of the 
communities in my district, keeping the local grocery store open is a 
constant struggle.
  The citizens of Kensington decided to take action. Following a 
community meeting, board members were elected to form the Kensington 
Community Store, Incorporated. This organization was created to oversee 
the construction and development of a non-profit community grocery 
store with noon deli.
  Since that time, support for the project has been impressive and 
inspiring: the Kensington city council committed to construct a 60' x 
75' steel building; several lots of ground were donated for building 
construction; community ``work nights'' were held to ready the store 
for opening; Vo-tech classes at the local high school constructed metal 
and wood shelves; the local Lions Club assisted with interior 
construction of the store.
  All totaled, more than $130,000 has been raised to support the 
project. Donations of all sizes have come from more than 250 
individuals, businesses, clubs and foundations. The final piece of the 
puzzle fell into place when an agreement was reached to share wholesale 
supply delivery dates with a grocery store in a community 27 miles down 
the road. The arrangement allows the store in Kensington to sell 
merchandise at competitive prices.
  Thanks to a team effort, the Kensington Community Store is now a 
reality. According

[[Page E747]]

to John Struckhoff, chairman of the committee that organized the 
project, having a grocery store back in town provides an anchor 
business that can be used to attract other businesses to Kensington. It 
also helps stabilize property values and provides citizens of all ages 
a place to purchase groceries without having to leave town.
  Mr. Struckhoff also noted that the whole experience has resulted in 
other benefits. ``It is amazing how many individuals and groups donated 
money and time to this project,'' Struckhoff said. ``This shows how a 
small town in Kansas can come together to support a project that 
provides a common good to all citizens. It really makes you proud to 
live in Kensington.''
  All across the State of Kansas are stories just like this one. Of 
neighbors helping neighbors, not because they have to, but because they 
want to. Because it is the right thing to do. Their efforts deserve our 
support and recognition.
  Citizens throughout the First Congressional District of Kansas are 
working together to enhance the quality of life in their communities. 
The Kensington Community Store is a success story that demonstrates how 
teamwork and creative thinking can make a positive difference in rural 
America.

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