Now, more than ever, your local food vendors need your support. In Montana alone, there are over 26,000 farms and ranches, and purchasing products from these businesses directly supports the local families who run them. Sometimes supporting local businesses can seem like a time consuming and expensive task, but here are ten easy, affordable ways you can support your local food suppliers.
1. Shop Local Grocery Stores
Many local food vendors sell their products primarily at locally-owned grocery stores. Local stores like the Orange Street Food Farm in Missoula, Montana sell Farmer Boy Eggs and other local products with pride.
2. Look for the Stickers
Here in Montana, many local food products are labeled with a Made in Montana or Grown in Montana sticker. These stickers represent a product made completely, proudly and with high standards in Montana. If you aren’t sure which companies are local, keep an eye out for this sticker on the grocery store shelves. If you are comparing two items, and one of them has this sticker, choose the local product.
3. Shop Farmers Markets
Another great place to find locally grown and produced food is your local farmers market. Many farmers, ranchers and other vendors sell primarily at the farmers market and rely on it to sell their goods. From fresh fruits and veggies to delicious pastries and sausages, you are sure to find delicious local food at the weekend market. With over 8,600 farmers markets throughout the country, you’re sure to find a great place to purchase local food in your community.
4. Follow on Social Media
Do you want a way to support local food vendors other than purchasing their products? Follow them on social media! Many local food vendors have a Facebook or Instagram account that they use to share their products and interact with their customers. Follow your favorite local brands on social media, like and comment on their posts and share their content on your own profile to show your support. Check out Farmer Boy Eggs Instagram or Lady Kate’s Garden on Facebook to get started.
5. Eat Seasonal
Another way to make eating local easier for you and your family is to try and eat only seasonal fruits and vegetables. While your town’s large grocery store might carry all types of produce, local farmers are limited to growing what’s in season. Choosing to cook with these in-season products allows you to purchase more often from local vendors. This Seasonal Food Guide is a great way to find out which fruits and vegetables are available in your area during any time of the year.
6. Tell Your Friends
Many local food producers rely solely on word of mouth to spread awareness of their products. Spread the word about your favorite local vendors by telling your friends about them. Whether you promote them through your personal social media accounts or throw some local items into your Friendsgiving dinner, be sure to share your love and support for these businesses by sharing it with your friends.
7. Eat at Restaurants Who Cook Local
Support local restaurants and local food vendors at the same time with this tip. Many restaurants are jumping on the local ingredients train, and restaurants like Stacked in Billings, Montana and Benny’s Bistro in Helena, Montana use local ingredients in nearly every dish. By doing this they are both supporting the local economy and creating fresh, delicious meals for you to enjoy!
8. Join a Food Co-Op
One of the easiest ways to support multiple local vendors is to join a local food co-op such as the Western Montana Growers Co-Op. These organizations pull together products from multiple farmers and producers. For a flat fee, customers can get a box delivered to their doorstep on a monthly basis. Food co-op boxes are full of seasonal, fresh fruits, veggies and additional products that were locally grown or made.
9. Encourage Local Institutions to Buy Local
Hospitals, local government organizations and schools have a huge need for food. Encouraging decision-makers in these institutions to purchase more local products from local farmers, ranchers and vendors. The Farm to School program is a great example of a way people are working to get local foods into cafeterias.
10. Suggest Local Brands to Grocery Stores
Have you noticed that your neighborhood grocery store doesn’t carry the local honey or tomatoes you love? Don’t be afraid to give the store managers suggestions of the products you would love to see on their shelves. Letting them know which brands you enjoy and support is a great way to get more local products into their store.