Eastport is losing its only grocery store.
According to the BDN, R&M IGA is closing Thursday as owner Merilyn Mills retires. Mills says her family has operated food stores in Eastport for four generations.
She says she tried to find a buyer, but no one came forward who was willing to keep the grocery store operating.
The closure leaves residents without a source for fresh produce. They’ll now have to drive about 28 miles to Calais for groceries.
Eastport also lost its only pharmacy last month, meaning residents must make the same trip for prescriptions.
City Manager Brian Schuth says the loss of both businesses is a major problem for the community.
The Chamber of Commerce is working with the Maine Department of Labor and Washington County Community College to help the store’s roughly 20 employees.
Latest Local Eastern & Central Maine News
