Missoula Community Co-operative:

From Buying Club to Food Co-op

The Missoula Community Co-op is an innovative, collaboratively-envisioned solution toward local sustainability and health.

In 2001, two of our Northside neighbors started a food-buying club to help residents gain better access to bulk, natural and local food. The NMCDC now coordinates the buying club while community residents and regional farmers are developing a member-owned and operated cooperative market with a shared-use commercial kitchen. The co-op facility at 1500 Burns Street will offer neighborhood residents a space to produce meals and value-added agricultural goods.

The co-op will link low-income residents with local and regional farmers in a business structure that allows for greater community leadership and shared economic justice for producers, consumers, and employees. Historically, 67% of the food consumed in Western Montana was locally grown and processed. Now it’s around 5%. The Missoula Community Co-op will help change this trend, encouraging responsible consumption and sustainable business practices.

If you are looking to buy food cooperatively, sell your Montana-made goods, or volunteer your time, visit the co-op website at www.missoulacommunitycoop.com