HELENA - The Missoula Food Bank has received a $200,000 grant under a U.S. Department of Agriculture community food program.

Food bank officials will use the money to establish a community food and agriculture coalition to address city and county food policy issues. A market-based economic development strategy for producers and consumers will also be implemented, and the community will be organized to serve high-need populations, officials said.

USDA officials awarded a total $4.8 million in grants to 27 organizations in 19 states. Grant amounts ranged from $10,000 to $300,000 and require a dollar-for-dollar match in resources.

Created in 1996, the agency's Community Food Project helps organizations provide nutritious food to low-income people.