7 Shocking Ways Our Market Revived Humboldt, KS: The Butcher Shop That Ended A Food Desert
Since its opening in July 2021, Our Market in Humboldt, Kansas, has been more than just a place to buy groceries; it is a powerful symbol of community resilience and economic revitalization. The store’s arrival marked the end of a challenging two-year period where residents of this small Allen County town were forced to travel miles for essential food items, a situation often referred to as a "food desert." The story of Our Market is a testament to the power of local entrepreneurship, driven by a family committed to bringing high-quality, affordable products back to their neighbors. As of the current date, December 24, 2025, Our Market continues to serve as a vital community hub, setting a new standard for rural grocery stores across the state.
The establishment of Our Market was a complex but ultimately triumphant endeavor, involving local government support and a deep personal investment from its founders. This unique blend of a full-service grocery store and a premium butcher shop has not only restored food access but has also created a sustainable model for local economic development in Southeast Kansas.
The Local Visionaries: Scotty and Amy Welch’s Biography & Background
The driving force behind Our Market is the local couple, Scotty and Amy Welch. Their dedication to the Humboldt community is rooted in their own deep ties to the area and their professional backgrounds.
- Names: Scotty Welch and Amy Welch
- Location: Humboldt, Kansas (Allen County)
- Primary Business: Our Market Butcher and Grocery
- Opening Date: July 2021
- Background: The Welches are a local couple with a family cattle farming operation. This background provides them with an intimate understanding of the agricultural supply chain and the quality of locally-sourced meat.
- Scotty Welch's Role: Owner and operator of Our Market. He is also noted for his extensive experience as a rancher for 27 years and his work as an Ag loan officer, bringing a strong financial and agricultural perspective to the business.
- The Mission: They established the market with the explicit goal of selling affordable, high-quality meat to a community that previously lacked access to it.
- Predecessor: Our Market is housed in the repurposed building that was formerly Moon's Market, signifying a continuation and revitalization of a long-standing community resource.
The Welches' decision to open the store was a direct response to a critical community need, transforming a vacant storefront into a thriving local enterprise and solving a major food access issue.
7 Ways Our Market Became Humboldt’s Essential Community Hub
Our Market’s impact stretches far beyond simply selling groceries. It has become a cornerstone of Humboldt’s social and economic fabric, serving as a model for the Kansas State University Rural Grocery Initiative and other community development programs. The store’s success hinges on several key features that address the specific needs of a rural Kansas town.
1. Ending the Two-Year Food Desert Status
The most significant impact of Our Market was immediately restoring food access to Humboldt residents. For over two years, the town had been without a full-service grocery store, forcing families to drive to neighboring towns for basic necessities. This situation, a classic example of a food desert, placed a significant burden on the elderly, low-income families, and those without reliable transportation. The opening of Our Market eliminated this barrier, ensuring that fresh produce, dairy, and pantry staples were available right in the heart of Allen County.
2. The Premier Local Meat Processing Facility
At its core, Our Market is a high-quality butcher shop and local processor. Leveraging their background as cattle farmers, the Welch family specializes in custom meat processing for local ranchers and offering premium cuts directly to consumers. This service is crucial for the agricultural economy, providing local farmers with a nearby, reliable facility for processing beef, hog, and deer products. This commitment to a true farm-to-table model guarantees that customers receive premium quality meat that is often superior to what is found in large chain supermarkets.
3. Supporting Kansas Local Sourcing and Farms
The store actively participates in the Shop Kansas Farms network, emphasizing a commitment to local sourcing and supporting the regional agricultural economy. By prioritizing products from nearby farms and producers, Our Market keeps money circulating within the community and provides a platform for small Kansas businesses to reach a broader customer base. This focus on local goods strengthens the entire Southeast Kansas food supply chain.
4. A Full-Service Grocery Department
While the butcher shop is a major draw, Our Market functions as a complete, full-service rural grocery store. It offers a wide range of products beyond meat, including:
- Fresh Produce
- Dairy and Eggs
- Pantry Staples
- Frozen Foods
- Baked Goods (often locally-sourced)
5. A Catalyst for Local Economic Development
The establishment of Our Market was not an isolated event; it was a major piece of Humboldt’s community revitalization strategy. The project received support from the Allen County commissioners and was cited as a key case study in economic development by the Kansas State University Rural Grocery Initiative. By repurposing the vacant Moon's Market building, the Welches signaled confidence in the town's future, encouraging other small businesses and entrepreneurs to invest in the area.
6. Affordable and Competitive Pricing
One of the Welch family’s founding principles was to provide affordable meat options and groceries. Their direct connection to the cattle farming operation and their role as a local processor allows them to offer competitively priced, high-quality products. This focus on affordability makes the store a sustainable and practical option for all members of the community, ensuring that quality food is not just available, but also accessible.
7. The Heart of the Community
Beyond its commercial function, Our Market serves as an essential community hub. In a small town like Humboldt, the local grocery store is often a central meeting point—a place for neighbors to connect, share news, and build social ties. The welcoming, family-owned atmosphere cultivated by Scotty and Amy Welch has transformed the store into a friendly destination, fostering a stronger sense of local identity and collective well-being.
Visiting Our Market: Location, Hours, and Offerings
For anyone in Southeast Kansas, or travelers passing through Allen County, Our Market offers a genuine taste of local Kansas agriculture and small-town hospitality. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking locally-sourced, premium quality meat and a unique shopping experience that directly supports the local economy.
Market Details and Contact Information
The store is strategically located to serve the entire Humboldt area and is easily accessible for those coming from neighboring towns like Iola or Chanute.
- Address: 915 N. 9th St., Humboldt, KS 66748, United States
- Phone: (620) 473-6425
- Email: ourmarketathumboldt@gmail.com
Current Operating Hours (Subject to Change)
The market maintains hours designed to accommodate the busy schedules of rural residents and farmers, ensuring maximum accessibility for the community.
- Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Our Market’s success story is a powerful reminder that local businesses, especially those rooted in agriculture like the Welch family’s, are the lifeblood of rural America. By combining a vital community service (a grocery store) with a high-demand specialty (a butcher and processor), Our Market has not only survived but has thrived, becoming an inspiration for other small towns facing similar challenges in food access and economic vitality.
Detail Author:
- Name : Prof. Hilbert Koss DDS
- Username : lowe.andreane
- Email : holden46@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1979-09-23
- Address : 71161 Fabiola Vista Joshuamouth, VA 79103
- Phone : +14029732706
- Company : Stehr-Davis
- Job : Patternmaker
- Bio : Numquam at et qui enim ea sed. Saepe illum est dolores sint doloribus. Recusandae est nulla quae est.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/gaylordf
- username : gaylordf
- bio : Perspiciatis omnis tenetur quia voluptas.
- followers : 6317
- following : 2299
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/gaylordf
- username : gaylordf
- bio : Consequatur eum libero quibusdam ut corrupti molestias. Quos possimus voluptatem nobis aut aut accusamus ut.
- followers : 6190
- following : 584
