Building Food Accessibility Capacity in Rural Montana
GrantID: 14916
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $25,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Combating Food Insecurity in Rural Montana with Mobile Farmers' Markets
Food insecurity remains a pressing barrier in rural Montana, where residents often face limited access to fresh produce due to geographic isolation and sparse grocery store options. According to recent statistics, approximately 14% of the population in rural areas of Montana experience food insecurity, significantly higher than the national average. This has profound implications on health outcomes, particularly among low-income families who rely on local markets for their nutritional needs.
Families in these regions are often forced to travel long distances for fresh food, and transportation limitations can hinder regular access to nutritious options. This is particularly evident in communities where public transportation is virtually non-existent and where many residents lack private vehicles. Consequently, reliance on convenience stores with limited healthy offerings exacerbates health disparities and nutritional deficiencies.
To address this issue, the funding initiative is launching a mobile farmers' market in rural Montana, bringing fresh produce directly to underserved communities. By collaborating with local farmers, the goal is to enhance nutritional access while simultaneously supporting local agriculture. The mobile market will traverse various routes to reach communities that lack reliable access to grocery stores, ensuring that families can obtain high-quality produce without facing transportation barriers.
The mobile farmers' market represents a proactive approach to tackle food insecurity in rural Montana. By improving access to fresh food, the initiative aims not only to enhance individual health outcomes but also to strengthen community well-being. This intervention is especially critical in areas where traditional food systems have faltered, empowering families to make healthier choices and ultimately support a more resilient food network throughout the state.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
