This story was produced in partnership with Harvest Public Media, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest and Great Plains. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues.

Melissa Fabian opened Simply Nourished Market & Mercantile four years ago in Mason City, Iowa. Shoppers can find organic produce and grass-fed lamb from nearby farms and bakeware made across the border in Minnesota at the brick-and-mortar shop.

“We are built upon the backbone of supporting local first,” Fabian said. “So, when you walk into our store, you're really going to see a variety of Iowa and Midwest products.”

But 2025 has been a tough year for Fabian and other small business owners.

“We’ve definitely seen a downturn in customers walking through our door,” Fabian said.

A national su

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