Farm to School is broadly defined as a program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers. Check out the Resource Guide for Producers for tips and more information.
The Montana Department of Commerce’s Made in Montana program offers the ability to use their logo to identify your product as a Montana product. In addition, membership in the program includes a listing in their online directory, marketing to a wide array of vendors, and marketing at wholesale events and exhibiting opportunities. The Department of Commerce also offers education and business development to Made in Montana members. The department offers Grown in Montana and Native American Made in Montana programs as well.
A farmer, farmers’ market manager, or retail food outlet can apply to become a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) authorized vendor, which would allow you to accept EBT card payments so low income community members can buy your products. Visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website to start the application process. Apply for free EBT equipment through the national Farmers’ Market Coalition. To learn more about the Farmers’ Market EBT Program, download the publication, How to Accept SNAP Cards at your Farmers’ Market.
Food tourists travel to find genuine, culturally-relevant dining experiences, and the places they visit benefit economically and socially with opportunities to distribute local food, support family farms and promote regional distinctiveness. Farm stays and tours, wineries and breweries, farmers’ markets or locally sourced restaurant meals are all aspects of food tourism. Utah State University and Western SARE created this workbook and accompanying presentations to help understand and develop a food tourism project for your farm or ranch in the Mountain West.