University Dining Services and four UM graduate students teamed-up in the spring of 2003 to create the UM Farm to College Program, dedicated to buying more food locally to feed the campus community. Through this program, The University of Montana plays a greater role in supporting Montana's economy, strengthening the local community and helping to preserve Montana's natural and cultural heritage.

This program utilizes local foods through the form of a Farm to College retail section in the Cascade Country Store and new daily Farm to College menu items. UDS has also incorporated local foods into the Food Zoo, University Dining Services' all-you-care-to-eat venue.

The UM Farm to College Program is an exciting opportunity to see the educational interests of the University merge seamlessly with the economic and environmental needs of Montana. The program's success may further impact the state by illuminating the possibilities and benefits of local food purchasing and paving the way for other large scale food service venues to purchase locally.