Shop at Hometown Market in Kiowa, Kansas, and in January or February you will see a new meat cooler and a new deli cooler. You'll find some healthier options as well.

Last week Hometown Market received a $30,302.25 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBS) promoting healthy eating habits and eating styles. That grant was given through Barber County United. BCU Director Deb Kolb said that Barber County was awarded the Pathways to a Health Kansas grant through BCBS of Kansas.

​Hometown Market is a cooperative. Board President Mike Miller said the meat cooler will, of course, offer beef along with a larger selection of white meat including fish, chicken, pork and turkey. The grocery store will have more ads for “No Tobacco Use,” which includes more in-store signage. The healthy initiative also has specific in-store food items designated for Kiowa's Ministerial Alliance Food Bank.

In addition to the BCBS grant, Hometown Market received a $50,000 grant from the local Robert L. and Grace P. Hays Charitable Giving Fund. Miller said that money will purchase a new deli cooler for the store where they serve lunch daily.

The Hays grant will also be used to purchase new lighting in the grocery store that is “more efficient and easier on the eyes,” Miller said.

He added, “This community is thankful and grateful for BCBS and Hayes Giving Fund for their support of our store.”