The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

U.S. Department of Agriculture agencies will hold a town hall meeting in Big Sandy, Mont., on Oct. 3, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at the Big Sandy Senior Citizens Center, 224 2nd St., to discuss opportunities for and barriers to maximizing access to USDA programs and services.

In early 2016, 13 Montana counties, including Chouteau, were designated as “StrikeForce” counties, a rural growth and opportunity initiative launched by USDA in 2010 in economically challenged areas to improve USDA services by building partnerships to help challenged communities shape a future based on local assets and regional strengths.

Montana leaders from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, and Food and Nutrition Service will listen to concerns from local citizens and community leaders at 18 town hall meetings across the state.

If you require special accommodations or would like additional information about StrikeForce, please contact John George at jonathan.george@mt.usda.gov or 406-449-5000 ext. 101.