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To Mitchell Schlegelmilch, citizenship means taking responsibility and actively contributing to the community in which he calls home. It means noticing when something needs attention and being willing to step in, even when it isn’t glamorous or easy.
His passion for service started early in life. He learned what it was to be a good citizen from his family and the community he grew up in, Exeter, Nebraska.
“When you step back and start recognizing how many people do so many things to keep our communities going, it paints a pretty clear picture for me that I, too, need to do my part and help out,” said Mitchell.
And he has.
Now board president of Greg’s Market, in Exeter, Mitchell has taken service to his community to the next level. In February 2024, he went to the capitol to testify on LB 1116 because he knew the importance of support for rural grocery stores like the one in his hometown.
“I got involved because I saw how critical Greg’s Market was to the well‑being of our town,” he said. “I felt a responsibility to step in and help however I could. Serving on the board has been a great opportunity to combine my professional experience with my desire to make a positive impact locally. It has been rewarding to work with others who care just as deeply about keeping our community strong.”
Mitchell felt compelled to testify in part because of support he received from the Center for Rural Affairs.
“The Center’s mission aligned closely with what we were trying to do at Greg’s Market, and I appreciated that they weren’t just offering ideas from the outside, they were partnering with communities on the ground,” Mitchell said. “Their approach empowers rural Nebraskans to shape their own future, and that resonated with me.”
His dedication to community well-being has contributed to Mitchell being selected to receive the Center’s 2025 Citizenship Award. This award is given to an individual or individuals who actively participate in the civic process for creating public policy, and who work closely with the Center to advance public policies that strengthen family farms, ranches, and rural communities.
“Rural grocery stores are the backbone of our communities,” Mitchell said. “In small towns, a grocery store is more than a place to buy food, it’s an anchor business, a gathering point, and a sign that the community is still vibrant and worth investing in. When a rural town loses its grocery store, it doesn’t just create a food access issue, it often triggers a downward economic spiral. Supporting local stores is about supporting the long-term health, independence, and identity of rural communities across Nebraska.”
Mitchell attended the Center’s 2024 Grocery Summit, where he learned about the 24/7 access grocery model. After seeing a presentation about a small town store’s success in implementing this model, he recognized the potential to alleviate staffing challenges faced by Greg’s Market. He then convinced the rest of the board that this could be accomplished at their store, too.
By participating in the Center’s Rural Grocery Store Learning Cohort, he was able to use grant funds to pay for the necessary software to launch the new model. He has spoken about Exeter's innovative approach at the Community Listening Session hosted by the Center and at this year's grocery summit.
As with any big change, challenges were expected with the 24/7 access model. Mitchell worked through everything from figuring out technology and security to making sure customers felt comfortable using the new system.
“The biggest lesson was that communication and patience are key,” he said. “When folks understand the ‘why,’ they’re much more willing to adapt to the ‘how.’ Now, the part people tell us they love most is the flexibility. Being able to grab something late at night, early in the morning, or after a long shift has been a game changer. It’s convenience without having to leave town.”
Audra Espinoza, senior state policy manager with the Center, has worked with Mitchell throughout all of these endeavors.
“Mitchell has been a visionary leader and demonstrated commitment to strengthening local food access in Exeter,” said Audra. “Since testifying, Mitchell has been a reliable ally toward advancing grocery legislation while advocating for his community and grocery store. He has also continued to promote and share information about LB 375 with his community.”
Because of his experience testifying in the Nebraska Legislature, Mitchell now regards policy changes in a whole new light.
“It’s been both exciting and humbling,” he said. “Speaking at the capitol gives you a real appreciation for how policy decisions are made and how important it is for rural voices to be present in those conversations. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it also reminded me that everyday citizens can make a difference when they’re willing to speak up.”
Mitchell feels honored to have received the Citizenship Award, and says it’s nice to know the effort hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“[This award] means that the values I care about—community, service, taking initiative—matter to others as well,” he said. “It reinforces that even small actions in small towns can have a big impact. I’m grateful for the recognition, but even more grateful that it shines a light on the importance of keeping rural communities strong.”
He emphasizes that the work “has been about community, not about recognition.”
“Receiving the award made me reflect on how many people have contributed to this effort and how proud I am to be part of it,” Mitchell said. “I truly want people to know that this award is not my award, but the community's award, and I am just a small part of our success. None of this is individual work.
“Greg’s Market, the 24/7 model, and the broader effort to support rural grocery stores only succeed because people come together with a shared commitment to the community. I’m thankful for everyone who has been part of that effort, and I’m excited to keep moving forward.”
