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This page contains links to various organizations working on sustainable food and farming issues. Click on the organization's name to reach their web-site or contact information. SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAlternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO)AERO is a Montana based non-profit grassroots membership organization dedicated to sustainable resource use and community vitality. We promote sustainable agriculture, “smart growth” planning and transportation alternatives, renewable energy and conservation, environmental quality, and community self-reliance. Clark Fork Coalition The Clark Fork Coalition is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Clark Fork River basin, which stretches from Butte, Montana to Sandpoint, Idaho. As a member-supported group of citizens, scientists, recreationists, and business leaders, the Coalition focuses on a simple vision: protect the clean water and river life that is here; restore what should be here and is not. The Clark Fork River Market, western Montana’s newest farmers’market situated in downtown Missoula, opened its inaugural season in June of 2005. Created through the cooperation of Missoula’s long-standing famers’ market on North Higgins Ave., the Missoula Downtown Association, the City of Missoula, and the Clark Fork Coalition, the market was an instant success. It is located next to the river in Caras Park and is a lively and scenic setting for buying locally-produced meat products, fresh and local foods, flowers, baked goods, and other wares from area artisans. Five Valleys Land Trust Five Valleys Land Trust encourages and accepts conservation easements on property with important natural values. Once obtaining a conservation easement, FVLT provides long term stewardship of the protected land so the natural values are preserved in accordance with landowner wishes. The Land Trust also helps provide focus for grass-roots conservation initiatives which seek to protect open space and natural areas at the community level. Grow Montana Grow Montana is a broad-based coalition whose common purpose is to enable Montana's food producers to meet more of our state's food needs. We promote economic development policies that support sustainable Montana-owned food production, processing, and distribution, and that improve all of our citizens' access to Montana foods. Farm to Cafeteria Network We are a network of foodservice professionals, farmers and ranchers, and leaders in Montana's local food movement who are working together to create and grow Farm to Cafeteria programs in Montana. We will accomplish this by learning from each other's experiences and providing simple and easily accessible resources to anyone interested in serving local foods in our institutions. Missoula Office of Planning and Grants The Missoula Office of Planning and Grants provides planning, program development and implementation services to the citizens and elected officials of the City and County of Missoula. The Office of Planning and Grants engages in natural resources and land-use planning, community development activities, and grant programs that effectively improve the health, safety, and welfare of Missoula County residents. Rural Initiatives Rural Initiatives (RI) is responsible for providing County citizens with an avenue for collection and distribution of data, legislation, regulations and policies relative to Missoula County. RI also advises the County Commissioners on issues of importance to rural residents outside the urban area. It is charged with planning and implementation measures designed to protect the cultural, historic, economic, and natural resources of the County, while providing for and directing growth outside the Missoula valley. Missoula County Extension Office The MSU Extension Service is an educational resource dedicated to improving the quality of people’s lives by providing research-based knowledge to strengthen the social, economic, and environmental well-being of families, communities, and agricultural enterprises. The Missoula Extension office operates the Master Gardener and Weed District Programs. The Extension office also offers advice on food safety, canning, household financing, and cleaning. Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment. North-Missoula Community Development Corporation (NMCDC) NMCDC's vision is to build a healthy neighborhood with opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to live, work and play. The mission is to build from community strengthens to form partnerships for neighborhood revitalization. Sustainable Business Council A Non-profit Network of Individuals, Businesses, and Organizations working towards a sustainable economy in Western Montana, by promoting the economic benefits of a clean and healthful environment; educating individuals, organizations, and businesses about efficient resource use; and facilitating the adoption of economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable business practices. Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation (MIST) The vision of MIST is: Communities around the world with active walking and cycling cultures. Excellent transit systems that run on clean energy. Bicycle station and car share options. Safe and fluid vehicle movement. Networks of greenway corridors that connect people and open space. A global awareness of transportation issues and impacts. University of Montana, School of Social Work The challenging terrain of social work practice calls for a particular kind of practitioner- one who is prepared to address issues of poverty, oppression, and social injustice confronting many residents of the region; one who engages individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in the process of strengthening personal capacities, social programs, and public policies; and one who recognizes the inseparability of private troubles and public issues. The University of Montana’s MSW program and its concentration in advanced integrated practice is a logical and appropriate response to these special needs and challenges. LOCAL FOOD/FARMS/COOPERATIVESGarden City Harvest CSA Farm to Family Montana provides locally and sustainably produced food to Missoulians through a convenient home delivery service. Through their home delivery service, Farm to Family aims to make the consumption of local foods convenient, improve access to local, organic, and sustainably produced food, and create connections and understanding between farmers and consumers. Montana Poultry Growers Cooperative The Montana Poultry Growers Cooperative was legally incorporated in the state of Montana in April of 2006. The cooperative was organized to provide poultry producers a way to collaborate in meeting their processing and marketing needs. With 18 members to date, and interest growing, the Montana Poultry Growers Cooperative is an exciting project of a group of folks finding ways to bring integrity, humanity and local community back to the farm and food system. FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMSMissoula Food BankThe Missoula Food Bank distributes emergency food supplies to individuals and families and strives to reduce the incidence of hunger through a community of volunteers and resources. WIC Program -- Public Health Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Food, nutrition counseling, and access to health services are provided to low-income women, infants, and children under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) SNAP helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for good health. You apply for benefits by completing a State application form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores. Through nutrition education partners, SNAP helps clients learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices. Poverello Center The Poverello Center Inc. is a non-profit organization whose intention is to understand and meet the needs of homeless clients as well as to understand the larger causes of poverty and homelessness in the community. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTUREClark Fork OrganicsClark Fork Organics is a certified organic farm that provides produce for the farmers’ market, groceries and restaurants in the Missoula area. Clark Fork Organics also hosts summer interns and provides educational opportunities involving sustainable agriculture. Garden City Harvest (GCH) Garden City Harvest builds community through agriculture by growing produce with and for people with low-incomes, offering education and training in ecologically conscious agriculture, and using our sites for the personal restoration of youth and adults. This is accomplished through the following vital programs: Community Gardens, GCH/EVST PEAS Farm, Neighborhood Farms, and Youth Harvest. University of Montana, Environmental Studies Program Sustainable Food and Farming emphasis: Students have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary studies of our food system and participate in community-based action research projects. In addition, through the Program in Ecological Agriculture and Society (PEAS Farm) students gain hands-on experience growing organic food for low-income people at an urban, community farm. Envirovore Envirovore strives to provide the most current news and commentary with a fresh take on all things food - and not just the problems. Communities are establishing a foundation for a more socially and environmentally integrated food system by rebuilding the linkages between farm fields and our plates. This blog is about eating thoughtfully. It brings you news, tips, and information about food and the environment every step of the way. The Western Montana Mycological Association This is the place to go and the group to join if you want to learn more about the fungal world and hunting mushrooms in Montana and beyond. CITIZEN HEALTHMissoula City-County Environmental Health DivisionA comprehensive resource providing both links and up to date news regarding personal and environmental health in Missoula county. The Health Promotion Division is one of four divisions of the Missoula City/County Health Department. They focus on four areas: infectious diseases, chronic disease and injury prevention, community health assessment and emergency planning. MOVE Program: Nutrition and Physical Activity Project MOVE coordinates three networks targeting families with children from birth to age eighteen, focused on nutrition, physical activity and intervention. The organization sponsors several programs in Missoula that are centered around obesity prevention. NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ORGANIZATIONSCommunity Food Security Coalition (CFSC) Food Corps is a national program that will place AmeriCorps volunteers at sites across the U.S. to help schools develop relationships with local farmers, create school gardens and food-based curriculum, and improve the nutritional quality of school lunch. |