Support Co-op, join Montanans helping Montana
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
2 of 3 free articles.
Sometimes being a “Bible-thumper” is good. We can all relate to verses we have either memorized or remembered from our youth. Thoughts and emotions can be triggered by calling to mind some of these verses. In writing this article, one such verse comes to mind: “If you have faith as a grain of a mustard seed, which is the least of all seeds, it becomes a great tree.” (Matthew 13:32).
Co-Op Director Jason Moore has such a seed. From learning of a similar plan, started in Oklahoma, he thought “why not Montana?” So, by combining his faith (as a mustard seed) he has a dream and a plan. This plan wants to grow into a great tree.
This plan has started right here in the Polson-Ronan area. This dream is the Montana Co-op. It is Montanans helping Montana. It is putting local producers in touch with local customers on a daily basis. It is offering local products and produce, which are many and diverse, to our local people. It is helping local people get to know each other, and share common interests. It is helping us to grow in ways to benefit local economies, and from local to expand to all of Montana. It will help us to feel a sense of community. A feeling of connection to people, not only in our own small town, but to those in Eureka, Glendive, Billings, Hamilton, etc., and all of Montana.
This being the vision, what do we need from you? We need your help. This plan is already underway. We are no longer in our “infancy,” but we are in the “toddler phase.” We need more producers and more volunteers. We need donors who can help this seed grow faster. We need grant-givers and donations.
Finally, we need customers who want to benefit from better health and well-being using local products.
To quote from a song in the movie “South Pacific”: “You gotta have a dream. If you don’t have a dream, how are you gonna have a dream come true?” Montanans, let’s all get on this dream bandwagon, and make this dream come true —“Helping Montanans help Montana.”
The Co-op is hosting a street fair May 2 on Fourth Avenue between Main and First streets. From about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the co-op will showcase its fresh foods, talented kids, volunteers and many health, education and music-related programs. We need sponsors, vendors, demonstrators and staff to help coordinate the event. We will make more information available as we nail down the happenings.
You can reach Jason and the Montana Co-op at (406) 319-2000 or the Polson HUB at 401 Main St. (southeast corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue), email info@montanacoop.com, or online at www.MontanaCoop.com.
