Go.Coop

La Montanita's commitment to local food began over 25 years ago when its produce managers wanted more produce than was available from their regional distributor.

Only one farmers' market served the area at the time, so co-op staff took turns going there and encouraging growers to bring additional produce for the co-op. And so over time La Montanita, as the only retail store in town that would buy directly from local producers, developed a somewhat legendary reputation as the local farmer's friend.

Over the years and continuing today, La Montanita reaches out to consumers, educating them on the benefits of buying local with "local product" shelf tags, posters, multimedia video screens and other in-store signage that connects consumers with farmers who grow their food. La Montanita also provides support and services to farming families and value-added producers to help keep their businesses afloat during rough times. In conjunction with local officials and community organizations, the co-op works to positively impact policy that supports local agriculture.

La Montanita's growth and commitment to local farmers led to one of their most ambitious projects to date, the Regional Food-Shed Project, which helps local producers secure markets for their products by distributing them not only to La Montanita's four stores but to other retailers in the area. This minimizes the carbon footprint of farmers by reducing their transport time and costs and allows them to focus their energy and resources on farming their land and producing food.

Today, the Food-Shed Project increases the quantity, diversity and availability of local foods while providing support for both producers and consumers. La Montanita's future goals include opening additional co-op locations throughout the food-shed region to serve both as grocery stores for underserved communities and as drop-off/pick-up depots for producers in the distribution network. While there is still much to be done, the Food-Shed Project is already helping to boost the local economy through a robust, cooperatively based local and regional food system.

Learn more about the La Montanita at www.lamontanita.coop.