Why Local?

According to Grow Montana, in 1950 about 70 percent of the food Montanans ate was grown in Montana. In the 1930’s, food processing was our state’s number one employer. Today, Montanans spend about $3 billion on food each year, with about 15 percent of that total spent on food produced in Montana. For each percent more of our food dollar we spend on foods produced in Montana, we can add about 30 million to the state’s economy.

Investing, supporting and promoting our local food systems has long been a priority at the Co-op. We are proud to say that we have over 500 local products in our store, from bulk grains, to grass-fed beef and bison to fresh produce and more.

In 2001, we developed our Farm to Market Program based on the belief that local food systems are better for our health, our economy and the environment.

The Eat Local America Challenge is a great way to show your support of our local farmers and producers and a sustainable food system that promotes a vibrant and healthy community.

As we continue to face a challenging economy and pressure on our natural resources, the Eat Local Challenge is a great reminder that we are all in this together and joined together, we are all stronger. In fact, if each household n Montana spent just $10 a week on Montana produced food, we could re-direct $186 million dollars each year to the state’s food producers. Go local and go Co-op!