The Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition is partnering with the Montana Farm to School Leadership Team to hold an event at the Montana Capitol in Helena on Monday, March 27. “Local Food Day at the Capitol” is geared toward showing the impact of Montana-grown food on the state’s economy, health, and communities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that local food sales totaled at least $12 billion in 2014, which was up from $8 billion in 2008. The agency anticipates that value will reach $20 billion by 2019. There is room for growth in Montana, too. Northern Plains Resource Council, one of Grow Montana’s steering committee members, has found that if Montanans increased their consumption of local food by 1 percent it would keep nearly $30 million in the state.
“Local Food Day at the Capitol” will run from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the rotunda. There will be various exhibit tables during those hours with information about local food programs and activities in Montana. Additionally, there will be a short program featuring a few speakers over the noon hour.
