The Butte Food Co-Op is a developing cooperative grocery store focused on improving access to our local food system and circulating more of our grocery dollars back into the local Montana economy.
Grocery store type has a direct impact on the local and regional food system and economy. The Butte Food Co-op intends to work with local farmers, suppliers, ranchers and artisans for as many products as possible and where their are local options.
People are becoming more aware of the industrialization of the food they eat and their foods close connections to its suppliers. There is a demand for more sustainable options for fresh, clean, whole foods (free from hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, harmful preservatives, genetic-modifications, etc.) that support local producers and suppliers.
The meaning of "buy local" (or "true local") has evolved from simply purchasing a product that came from nearby, to purchasing fresher, higher-quality foods from more trustworthy local sources and supporting their local economy (by creating more jobs and wealth within their community), and protecting their environment.
The Butte Food Co-Op fills several gaps in Butte's current food retail industry. It fulfills the communities' need for a healthy and high-quality food store, creates jobs within the community, provide opportunities for local farmers, ranchers, suppliers, artisans and emphasizes community over profits.
The Butte Food Co-op will offer a greater sense of community and empowerment to the consumer by becoming an inclusive community, social, and educational hub. It will host community events, invite local suppliers we buy from to speak at the store about their product practices, offer low-income, elderly and student subsidized or discounted shopping and membership to encourage participation in the co-op, provide SNAP and EBT benefits to qualified individuals, and hold educational classes to encourage healthy eating practices.
