Dear editor:
Nothing means more to me than taking care of my community.
As the owner of Benedict’s Market — a local, family-run grocery store that has proudly served Mountain View and the surrounding Bridger Valley for nearly a century.
We’ve grown from a small two-person operation into a bustling market employing over 80 of our neighbors, and we’ve done it with the steadfast support of our community.
That’s why I was especially grateful for a recent visit from Congresswoman Harriet Hageman.
What was scheduled to be a short stop turned into a meaningful, three-hour conversation.
She toured our store, shared lunch with us, and even visited our adjacent Ace Hardware.
This wasn’t a photo op — it was a genuine effort to understand the day-to-day challenges of running an independent grocery store in our community.
Our conversation went beyond surface-level observations, and I was encouraged by Congresswoman Hageman’s understanding and willingness to draw comparisons to the challenges small businesses face in her own hometown.
She acknowledged the risk of "food deserts" when local grocers are forced to close and recognized the essential role we play as economic anchors and access points for healthy food in rural communities.
As she walked our aisles and met our team, she even remarked how she wished there were stores like ours in Washington, D.C.
But that simple comment pointed to a larger, more troubling truth: it’s increasingly difficult to build or sustain stores like ours — anywhere — because of competition and the lack of antitrust enforcement in the grocery industry.
Across the country, independent grocers are being squeezed by a system that favors the biggest players, with national chains receiving pricing advantages that smaller companies aren’t allowed to access.
The Robinson - Patman Act is an antitrust law designed to prevent unfair price discrimination.
As local grocers, we need enforcement of this law.
The congresswoman listened intently to variety of concerns we face as independent retailers.
Her staff took careful notes, and she left with a packet of information on ways we can keep local grocery stores as a part of our communities. This felt like the beginning of a real dialogue — one rooted in shared values and a desire to protect Main Street businesses.
I’m hopeful this conversation will continue.
Independent businesses like ours don’t need a handout—we just need a fair shot.
With thoughtful policy, committed leadership, and continued community support, we can protect the future of local economies and preserve access to affordable, nutritious food options for the families who depend on us.
Sincerely,
Jim Benedict, Mountain View
