Montana is Ranked Ninth Most ‘Food-Friendly’ State in the Nation

As though you needed one more reason to love Montana, here comes another.

Montana is ranked among the top 10 states in the nation when it comes to being food-friendly. It is ranked No. 9. Rhode Island captured the No. 1 spot. The only states that rank better than Montana, according to America's Top 10 Food-Friendly States, are Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Oregon and Maine. Washington is ranked No. 10.

Bringing up the rear is Alabama, which is ranked No. 50.

To compile the rankings, each state was assessed on factors indicating how "food-friendly" it is. Some of the factors included food accessibility, farmer's markets per capital and the frequency of food-borne illnesses.

With a total of 40, Montana boasts having the eighth most farmers' markets per 100,000 residents. The ever-popular markets are teeming with fresh fruits and vegetables and the markets are easily accessible, especially in the heart of downtown Billings.

Produce stands are the staple of a Montana summer. They offer everything from vine-ripened tomatoes and berries to homemade pies and fresh-picked sweet corn.

Montana has the third most mobile food services and the ninth most restaurants per one million people, according to the ranking.

The ranking also notes that it is not usual while dining out in Montana to see elk, trout and bison on the menu, all of which is local and regulated.