I'd Like to introduce myself

I’ve spent most of my life somewhere along the food chain, from the soil to the kitchen, and now to this little store that ties it all together.

When I first moved to Bozeman, I worked in restaurants and kitchens. That’s where I started noticing something that didn’t sit right. We live in a valley full of incredible farms, hard-working people, and amazing food, yet so little of it ends up on local menus or grocery shelves. It felt like there was a missing link between the people growing the food and the people eating it.

So I went back to where it all started for me, with my hands in the dirt. I spent seasons on farms like Gallatin Valley Botanical at Rocky Creek Farm, Kokoro Farms, and Rathvinden Farm, growing vegetables and flowers and learning from farmers who pour their hearts into what they do. Being back on the land reminded me how much care it takes to feed a community, and how disconnected most people have become from the faces and stories behind their food.

That realization led me to new roles, managing the Bozeman Winter Farmers Market and later working as the Local Food Operations Manager at 406 Market, food hubs helping small farms reach more people year-round. Through all those experiences, I kept hearing the same thing from friends and farmers I deeply respect: “We can grow it, but how do we make it available, daily?"

That question and that gap are what sparked Fat Toads Farm Pantry. This store is for the farmers and small producers who need a steady, reliable home for their products, and for the people who care about knowing exactly who grows and creates their food. It’s a place to shop local in every season and to reconnect with the people who feed you.

It’s been a winding path from kitchen to field to market, but every step led to this. I’m so grateful to finally create a space where local food, community, and connection can truly grow together.