908 W. Main, Bozeman, Montana
HOURS
Co-op Hours:
Mon–Sat 7am–10pm, Sun 8am–10pm
Flying C Hours:
Mon-Thurs 7am–7pm, Fri 7am–8pm
Sat 7am–7pm, Sun 8am–7pm
Why Local?
It wasn’t too long ago that Montana’s agricultural sector was growing and processing much of the food we ate. In the 1930s food processing was our state’s top profession. According to Grow Montana, in 1950, about 70 percent of the food we ate in Montana was actually grown in the state. In contrast, of the $3 billion spent on food today, only 15 percent of that is food produced in Montana.
A local, Montana-based sustainable food system provides long-term viable and healthy solutions for our state’s economy, land and people. Our Farm to Market program supports and strengthens our local food system and producers.
Choose to purchase and sell local and Montana-made goods whenever possible because:
It Tastes Better
- Local food is chosen for taste and nutritional quality and is delivered at peak freshness.
- Industrial agriculture selects varieties of produce that can withstand multiple days of transport and warehouse storage.
Support Family Farms
- By buying local, you are supporting family farms, helping them to survive in the face of large-scale, industrial agriculture.
Strengthen the Local Economy
- Purchasing local food puts money back into our communities. Money spent on local products can return to the community through taxes, employees’ wages and purchases of materials and supplies from other independent businesses.
Maintain Open Space
- When local producers receive a fair price for their goods, they can afford to continue farming, rather than selling their land to developers.
It’s Better for the Environment
- Buying local greatly reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in food transport.
- Small-scale agriculture is more likely to promote stewardship of land and water resources, creating healthier ecosystems.
- Farms provide important habitat for wildlife.
Preserve Genetic Diversity and the Future of Our Crop Supply
- Different regions grow unique varieties of the same crops. Local varieties are chosen based on flavor and characteristics that work well with specific, local ecosystems. This genetic diversity may be necessary in helping us adapt to such challenges as climate change.
Build Trust
- Given the current concerns about food safety in America, there’s assurance in the fact that when you buy local, you know the name of the farmer who grew your food and can see the land where it was grown.
