Day 45

Corner Store Assessment

Finally, the winds took it somewhat easy on us allowing us to bike approximately 65 miles from Lavina, MT to Judith Gap Montana. Taking only two breaks, my group of bikers arrived to town pleasantly early at the time of 2:45. We then walked around town to give me an opportunity to scope out the food access scene in Judith Gap.

Background: Judith Gap is described as a retired couple's town. With only 100-150 people, there were only a couple bars/cafes, one service station, and one grocery/convenience store. Given the small selection at this location, most locals travel to Lewistown (47 miles away). Also, there is no local farmer's market. Local's activity levels seem to be greatly hindered by the large amount of construction inside the town. It appears that well over half of the streets and sidewalks are closed with the rest being in very poor condition as a result of the dramatic increase in use. Construction has been occurring for a couple of months according to one local and appears to be in its middle stages at best.

Judith Gap Mercantile (convenience store/small grocery/cafe) 109 High Street



1. Healthy Cereals: Raisin Bran, Honey Bunches of Oats, Corn Flakes
2. No skim milk in stock (2% and 1% in stock)
3. No baked
4. Wheat (1), 7 Grains (2)
5. 100% Juice: Orange, Apple, Vegetable
6. Small selection of produce available. The freshness of the products was somewhat questionable. The produce included: oranges, apples, onions, lemons, cucumber, tomato, potato, bananas, and garlic.



7. Canned vegetables: mixed vegetables, pinto beans, kidney beans, corn, peas, green beans, and carrots.
Canned fruits: N/A-- all in heavy syrups