Eat Local and Support Local Agriculture

Help maintain working farms and support local businesses by choosing local food. A group of Flathead Valley farmers and eating establishments have created the FarmHands Map of Flathead Farms.

The map is a guide to Flathead farms and locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, meat and dairy products. It gives the location and description of over sixty local farms, as well local businesses that offer local products at markets, restaurants and inns. The map connects visitors and residents to working lands and stunning landscapes.

Maps are available at MT Coffee Traders, local chambers, libraries, farmer's markets, and other likely venues.

Starting June 1st in downtown Whitefish, Tuesday from 5PM - 7:30PM the Whitefish Downtown Farmers Market at the North end of Central Avenue.

The original Whitefish Farmers Market is still at the Pin and Cue in Whitefish on Thursdays from 4PM to 6PM.

Wasabi Hosts Fundraising Evening on June 7th for FarmHands Map.

The FarmHands map will be the beneficiary of a community night fundraiser on Monday, June 7th, 2009 at Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill in Whitefish. The evening event will take place from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at 419 E. 2nd Street with proceeds donated to the FarmHands project. Participants are encouraged to make reservations by calling 863-9283. Wasabi is a popular local restaurant that is committed to using local products and ingredients on their menu and supports the community by hosting non-profit group fundraising events throughout the year.

Visit: www.whoisyourfarmer.org

The map is available at Flathead Valley Chambers of Commerce and several local venues. You can also request one be mailed to you by contacting Kerrie Byrne at kerriebyrne@centurytel.net or PO Box 4471, Whitefish, MT 59937.

ATTENTION FARMERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS: The map will be updated this winter. If you are interested in being included on the new edition, contact Barb Brant (see contact info) or Kerrie Byrne before January 15, 2009. The new map will debut May 1, 2009.

Flathead County has lost thousands of acres of farmland to development over the last couple of decades. Awareness of working landscapes is an important component for protecting them. By buying local food, you help preserve the beauty and agricultural character of the Flathead Valley. We need our farms!

For more information, visit www.whoisyourfarmer.org and www.nourishtheflathead.org