The Mighty Mildred Store: How a SEED Grant and a Passionate Owner are Making a Difference

The ORP spotlight of the month is the small rural community of Mildred. Located in Allen County, Mildred is home to around only 20 people. This community might be small, but it has a mighty “store” that will surprise you.

Recently featured in the Kansas City Star, the store has a lot to offer this small community. From grocery staples, daily lunch specials, local goods, and much more, the store keeps locals from having to travel many miles to get goods and food they need daily. Our office is so excited to be able to be a part of the addition of a commercial kitchen through the SEED grant, which will help supply their community with on-the-go meals for both families and senior citizens in the area, to accommodate a growing lunch crowd, and also allow for some catering options.

Regena Lance, Mildred Store Owner, says, “Mildred Store has been a staple in our community for several years and continues to meet the needs of our community.  By adding a commercial kitchen through the SEED grant, we can help address the food insecurities of our aging community and increase access to healthy foods to all ages.”

Another great asset to the community is their country dance hall. If you are looking for something to do on the 3^rd Saturday of the month, make your way to Mildred for their “Music Night”. Their music nights bring in hundreds of people of all ages to listen to some great music, socialize, and dance.

Kansas is so lucky to have great communities like Mildred. We LOVE hearing about these amazing rural Kansans who keep these communities going on a daily basis with their efforts and passion for helping rural Kansas!