SMART Joins 33x33 Local Food Initiative
SMART is teaming up with Abundant Montana and joining the 33x33 Initiative. As little as 3% of food consumed in Montana is actually produced in Montana, whereas in 1950, that number was around 70%. Montana is a major exporter of agricultural products, feeding families across the globe, but struggling to feed the families that live here. During COVID, we saw how fragile our food system really is, which is why we are joining the 33x33 Initiative to see 33% of the food on plates in Montana produced in Montana by 2033.
Establishing a local food supply not only increases resiliency but also benefits the local economy. For every $1 spent on food products in traditional markets, farmers and ranchers receive a combined total of around $0.05, according to the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture. Compare that to a local food market, where producers receive anywhere from $0.40 to $1 from each dollar spent. The buck doesn’t stop there; money spent locally is more likely to stay local. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a locally owned small business, somewhere between $48 to $68 is reinvested into the local economy, whereas larger retailers are only reinvesting about $13 to $15.
Understanding the local foodscape in Southeast Montana is one of SMART’s strategic priorities for this year. Identifying needs, determining supply and demand, and strategizing a platform that works best for our region are all things we hope to accomplish. Neighbors taking care of neighbors is the win-win dream scenario. Farmers and ranchers get a higher return, consumers get nutritious foods, and we all benefit from a more resilient local economy. How to get to this destination is what we are hoping to understand through our research this year.
We are really excited to announce that we are partnering with Grow Montana, Abundant Montana, and EPEDC to hold a 33x33 Governor’s Pre-Summit here in Baker at the Fairgrounds on May 20th over lunch. This gives our local producers an opportunity to share the state-of-affairs of the local food and products market here in Southeast Montana.
If you’re interested in helping grow the local food market, please take our local food and product survey and plan on attending the Governor’s pre-summit in May.