WHERE WE'RE AT & WHAT'S COMING FOR 2026!

Thank you for your patience.

We know it’s been a little quiet since our first members meeting, and we appreciate the trust you’ve placed in us as we build this co-op well and build it right.

Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes:

BOARD & LEGAL PROGRESS

• Completed training with the Montana Council of Cooperatives

• Meeting twice a month

• Finalized incorporation and received our EIN

• Opened our bank account and PO Box (we can now receive payments!)

COBANK STARTUP GRANT

We were awarded a CoBank Startup Grant—the only recipient in Montana this cycle. These funds will help us:

• Set up Local Food Marketplace

• Train someone to manage it

• Contract short-term support for marketing and outreach

This is the bridge we needed to move from planning → operations.

POLICIES (AND HOW YOU CAN HELP)

Before operations can begin, we need foundational policies in place. These include:

• Food safety & handling

• Financial management

• Membership & governance

• Conflict of interest

• Purchasing & procurement

• Facility/equipment use

If you already have policies from your farm or business that could serve as examples, we’d gratefully take a look. If you'd like to join the policy committee, we’d love your help.

TIMELINE

With policies, licensing (City-County Health Department), and member onboarding in place, we anticipate selling food by Spring 2026.

As we move toward our first operational season, it’s time for membership dues and preferred stock purchases.

These funds make you a member-owner, and they also match or stretch our new CoBank Startup Grant.

HAVEN'T JOINED YET?

Now is a great time to join! Please go to https://www.montanafoodhub.com/join-today to join and to purchase preferred shares at any time.

MEMBERS: HOW YOU'LL RECEIVE YOUR INVOICE

• Email if we have an address on file

• Postal mail if needed or preferred

HOW TO PAY

1. Mail a check (helps us avoid processing fees)

2. Pay online (link will be included in your invoice)

3. GFDA loan option for anyone needing support paying upfront

Your early participation and preferred share investments directly strengthen the co-op’s successful launch.