Montana Food System Council

Healthy, Fresh, Local

Every day, Montanans venture over to their favorite grocery store to buy food for their families.  They squeeze the melons and smell the raspberries in hopes of making the best food choice.  Or they may wander over to a local restaurant for a delicious meal. Yet rarely do these shoppers think about the source of the food they will consume and whose hands touched it along the way to the produce aisle or the restaurant.

We encourage you to learn more about your food and “Eat Local”!

Why Eat Local?

- Local food tastes better.  The food source is closer and food is fresher.

- Local food is better for the environment.  We keep our air cleaner by reducing emissions caused by food system transportation.

- Local food supports your local economy.  Buying Montana food keeps agriculture generated funds in your community and keeps farmers, ranchers and gardeners in your neighborhood.

What can you do?

- Buy local meat and produce from your co-op or market.

- Support local restaurants that serve local foods.

- Have a family outing to the local farmers market.

- Become a Member of a CSA.

- Start a garden or work in the local community garden.

- Learn to cook seasonal recipes.

• Foodwise Terminology
  Nourish the Flathead
  -features a thorough glossary of foodwise terms. Created by Kate O’Brien.
• Farmers Markets
• Community Gardens
• Seasonal Recipes
• Restaurants who serve local foods
• Local food in the schools
• Local food banks
  Gallatin Valley Food Bank