Montana Local Food Financing Partnership (MLFFP)

Montana Local Food Financing Partnership (MLFFP)

Montana Local Food Financing Partnership (MLFFP)

Improving Food Access Across Rural Montana

Overview

Mission West Community Development Partners was awarded a $3 million USDA grant through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) to improve access to healthy, affordable food in underserved rural communities across Montana. This program is housed within the Business Development Center.

This multi-year grant is part of a national effort funded by USDA Rural Development and the Reinvestment Fund to close gaps in the food supply chain and support innovative solutions to food insecurity.

Mission West is using these funds to launch the Montana Local Food Financing Partnership (MLFFP), an initiative designed to offer both technical assistance and credit enhancements to food system businesses serving rural areas.

Goals of the MLFFP Program

Expand Access

Expand access to healthy, local food for rural and underserved populations.

Support Growth

Support the growth and sustainability of food hubs, processors, and retailers.

Break Down Barriers

Break down financial barriers for local food businesses.

Strengthen Supply Chain

Strengthen Montana’s food supply chain through targeted investment and strategic support.

Collaborate with Partners

Collaborate with statewide partners to increase impact and reach.

Services Offered

Grant Match Funding

Funding to provide grant match for projects that improve food access.

Credit Enhancement Services

Includes Collateral Support to strengthen loan applications and mitigate risk, and Interest Rate Reduction services to make financing more accessible. Any Collateral Support provided could potentially be converted into a grant at the end of the project.

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance from food system experts and Mission West in general, to help develop, refine, and fund strategic plans.

Who Is Eligible?

Businesses or projects may be eligible if they:

  • Operate in or serve a designated rural or underserved area(s) in Montana.
  • Operate in the food retail supply chain (e.g., food hubs, CSA Programs, Grocery stores).
  • Offer a "full plate" of food products including both staple and perishable goods.
  • Are eligible or in the process of becoming eligible to accept SNAP.
  • Eligibility Map – America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative

Strategic Partners

This initiative is a collaborative effort between:

  • Mission West Community Development Partners (Lead Grantee)
  • Hopa Mountain
  • Montana Department of Agriculture
  • Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center (FADC) Network

How It Works

Mission West coordinates with regional partners and food system leaders to identify high-impact projects. Once identified, we offer tailored funding packages that may include direct capital, loan support, and technical assistance to help bring the project to life.

MLFFP-Eligible businesses may also qualify to use MLFFP funds as a match for any state or private grant (excluding federal grants) that has similar goals as this program. The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program through the Montana Department of Agriculture is a prime example.

Impact

Fill Funding Gaps

Fill funding gaps for high-need food projects.

Strengthen Rural Food Systems

Strengthen rural food systems.

Create New Market Opportunities

Create new market opportunities for local producers.

Expand Equitable Access

Expand equitable access to fresh, affordable food across the state.

Want to Learn More?

To see if your project qualifies or to explore ways to partner with us through the MLFFP program, Send us an email or fill out the form below:

HFFI Contact