Leading the effort was a non-profit health resource center, Cornerstone Community Wellness. Executive Director Elizabeth Pratt says the previous owner wanted to retire, and if the store closed, residents would have to drive 15 miles to shop in either Kewanee or Princeton.
"The grocery store can be kind of an economic anchor and can keep people in town. It keeps not only dollars in this business but also in other businesses. And provides resources for the people who aren't really able to leave town."
They also received some crucial help from their electric utility, Ameren Illinois - a 15,000 dollar grant and incentives to install a new hvac system and energy
efficient lighting.
Pratt also believes the store will also play an important social role in Sheffield.
"People bump into their neighbors, and they get to know them little by little. And everyone's bucket of resources essentially fills up through those interactions."
Pratt says feedback has been really good so far, and it's attracting customers from other small towns in the area.