Programs

  • Program 1 [2020]

    FOOD SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING: AERO takes action on solutions that build sustainable community food systems to co-create the best future for Montanans. Responding to the pandemic, the MT FOOD PROVIDERS PROJECT partnered with organizations and businesses, purchasing healthy, sustainably produced Montana food products from producers impacted by loss of retail, wholesale and institutional markets and distributed these products to Montanans in need across the state, strengthening partnerships to enhance distribution infrastructures moving forward. Building on the learning from its food system assessment work, the MONTANA FOOD ECONOMY INITIATIVE (MFEI) provided funding and mentorship to 12 community-led solutions for building more resilient local food systems across the state. The 21-WEEK RACIAL EQUITY IN THE FOOD SYSTEM CHALLENGE (REC) provided a virtual learning forum to explore racial inequities in our state. The COTTAGE FOOD EDUCATION program provided covid-safe resources
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $82.6K

  • Program 2 [2020]

    COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: AERO serves as a statewide information resource hub on sustainability topics, particularly those relating to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, renewable energy, resilient community food systems, and policy and legislative matters relating to food systems. AERO shares information and resources in these topic areas through its website, monthly eNews, quarterly Sun Times, social media outreach, member interviews, and periodic webinars. In 2020, AERO dedicated significant effort to expanding its online local food directory, ABUNDANT MONTANA (AMT), adding user-friendly features, food pantry/community meal resources, and lister access to an on-line sales platform, recognizing AMT provides a market pivot tool for food and farming businesses who lost market channels due to pandemic disruptions.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $52.7K

  • Program 3 [2020]

    NETWORK WEAVING & EDUCATION: Key to AEROs success in developing community leaders and inspiring community models for sustainable agriculture, food systems, and renewable energy across the state is bringing people together to learn from one another through workshops, panel discussions, webinars and community gatherings designed to promote learning and knowledge-building, connection, networks, resource-sharing, problem-solving and finding common ground. While the 2020 pandemic precluded in-person events, AERO stepped up with virtual tours, dialogues and webinars. AEROs first virtual Expo brought people together from around the state for eleven days of virtual tours, DIY workshops, policy discussions, films, & knowledge-sharing on on-farm resiliency; renewable energy; food system cross-sector engagement; and how to move forward with learnings from the pandemic.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $40.4K