Marmaton Market
Community: Moran, KS
County: Allen County
Region: Southeast
Geographical context: Rural
Date Funded: June 2018
Marmaton Market is a cooperatively owned grocery store that opened in 2018 in Moran in place of Stub’s Market. The owners of Stubs Market were interested in retiring, but could not find a buyer for the store. The rural community did not want to lose their store, so they banded together to pursue re-opening the store as a cooperative. Upon transfer of ownership, the store was in need of equipment and cooler upgrades. A loan of $167,000 and a grant of $50,000 was approved for purchase of equipment, and working capital to modernize and renovate the existing store. The funding also helped the store fulfill its commitment of offering healthy foods to its community. Since receiving Kansas Healthy Food Initiative funding, the Marmaton Market celebrated its first anniversary and store membership has grown to more than 130 members. The store layout has been updated to include a bulk spice section and a “gathering place for free-flowing coffee at the front of the store,” shares board member, Debbie Bearden. Completed renovations include painting, equipment repairs, and new signage.
“The people of the community are supporting one another by shopping locally.”
– Debbie Bearden, Marmaton Market Board Member