Partnerships & Collaborations
Ravalli County Economic Development Center
The O'Hara Commons and Ravalli County Economic Development Authority have been partnering for over four years. Our collaborations include the development of an online Farmers Market, the Local Food Procurement Assistance Program and the Food and Agriculture Development Center.
Together we are able to leverage our resources to fulfill our missions.
National Center for Appropriate Technology; Butte
Our partners at NCAT have invested many years developing and hosting the Montana Farmers Market Manager Network.
For over seven years, O'Hara has been involved in some capacity with the NCAT, a member of the network, and the National Farmers Market Coalition, to develop resources and partnerships in our shared work to build a stronger and more resilient Farmers Market network in Montana.
Community Food & Agriculture Coalition
Since 2015, CFAC has administered the statewide Double SNAP Dollars (DSD) Program, allowing Montanans who receive SNAP benefits to double their benefit dollars at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores. Our partnership is focused on increasing their access to fresh, local food.
O'Hara Commons has participated in this program since 2017.
Montana Natural History Center
We believe that in order to have healthy food systems, we must have healthy ecosystems.
Collaborating with Montana Natural History Center, O'Hara Commons is able to offer Ravalli County residents the opportunity to participate in the Master Naturalist Certification Program. The focus of the Montana Master Naturalist Program is to increase natural history knowledge and promote awareness, understanding, and stewardship of Montana’s natural environment by developing a corps of well-informed citizens dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.
Montana Harvest of the Month
The Montana Harvest of the Month program showcases Montana grown foods in Montana communities. Montana Harvest of the Month is open to K-12 schools, afterschool programs, Summer Food Service Programs, early care and education facilities, producers, businesses, farmers markets, food banks and healthcare institutions in Montana.
O'Hara has utilized the program for many years in youth, adult and Farmers Market capacities. We continue to use their resources to promote local foods and support local agriculture.
Darby Bread Box & Stevensville Pantry Partners
During the past year, O'Hara has partnered with Darby Bread Box and Stevensville Pantry partners in the distribution of our Local Food Procurement Assistance Program.
Darby Bread Box and Stevensville Pantry Partners provided support with finding participants for the program and host O'Hara twice a month as we distribute local food boxes to families in need.
We are forever grateful for their partnership and will continue to find ways to increase equitable access to local food with their help.
Salmon Valley Stewardship
Salmon Valley Stewardship was one of our first partnerships. O'Hara teamed up with their incredible staff in 2017 with their 'Pollinator Pathways' program. O'Hara's team provided educational programs at the Salmon School, including curriculum for K-12.
Today, our partnership can be seen as an art installation on the school fence in Salmon, ID.
The residents of Lemhi County are included in O'Hara's founding documents as part of the demographic region we serve. We continue to look forward to opportunities to work with SVS.
Supporters of Abuse Free Environments (S.A.F.E.)
SAFE is Ravalli County's domestic violence shelter, providing services, shelter and housing to survivors. Their team has worked directly and diligently with O'Hara to increase outreach to families and build participation in our Local Food Procurement Assistance Program. We have been able to share local food, healthy food practices and develop awareness of O'Hara's year-round farmers market. Together, we are finding ways to increase equitable access to local food and keep grocery dollars in our local economy.
Hamilton Farmer's Market
Years ago, Laura Craig approached O'Hara Commons. She was the Hamilton Farmers Market Manager. Laura had identified a need, on both supply and demand side, for a mid-week Farmers Market. She also saw that O'Hara's grounds were the perfect location. Then began our partnership.
Continuing in the spirit of this relationship, O'Hara and Hamilton Farmers Market continue to work together; sharing resources and experience to build a stronger Farmers Market network.
Hopa Mountain
Hopa Mountain's collaborative initiative "Local Food for Local Families' is supporting the development, coordination, and expansion of rural and tribal food hubs to increase access to Montana produced agricultural products.
O'Hara has partnered with Hopa Mountain with the 'Local Food for Local Families' during the past two years, working toward building a Food Hub Network that will strengthen Montana's local food system.
Rocky Mountain Grange #116
The Grange is a family, community organization with foundational roots in agriculture.
Founded in 1867, the Grange was formed as a national organization with a local focus. 'Our members are given the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential as citizens and leaders.'
O'Hara and RMG work together to leverage our resources to fulfill our vision and support community connection to agriculture.
Alternative Energy Resources Organization; Abundant Montana
Abundant Montana is AERO's (Alternative Energy Resources Organization) directory to local food in the state of Montana.
O'Hara has listed in the directory for many years, both our organization and our Farmers Markets. Their Find Food and Farms Map lists over 1,100 enterprises and 70 farmers markets, including a network of food and agriculture resources, coalitions, and trade organizations
Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce; Ag Committee
Another new collaboration. Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce has revitalized an Agricultural Committee. O"Hara is happy to have a place at the table with farmers, food producers and local businesses. The conversation is centered on local agriculture and supporting our farmers and food producers.
Hamilton Downtown Association
As O'Hara Commons is a downtown resident and our grounds are part of the tax district that pays into their work, it makes sense that we are members of the Hamilton Downtown Association!
Our organizations are mutually invested in supporting the local businesses that contribute to the vitality and well-being of our community.
Montana Farmers Union
Among the newest of our partnerships, O'Hara joined Montana Farmers Union in 2024. Founded in 1912, MFU accomplishes its mission through education, cooperation and legislation.
With our aligned missions, we hope to sit at the table with MFU and work together to make a difference for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.