Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant funds. This competitive grant program is designed to support projects that aim to reduce food insecurity in Missouri by funding farmers markets and other economic development initiatives.

The grant seeks to create a thriving local food system by addressing food insecurity and promoting community development. It supports projects that expand local food production and access, fostering community economic growth. Projects eligible for up to $50,000 must benefit residents affected by food insecurity.

Applicants will be reimbursed for 75% of the total project expenses incurred during the grant period. Applications are due by August 27, 2025, and awarded projects must be complete or near completion by March 31, 2026.

Projects located in designated urbanized areas can receive a portion of the $500,000 allocated for urban communities. Other locations not designated as urban are eligible for a share of the $100,000 set aside for rural communities. These designations are based on data from the 2020 United States Census Bureau.

For questions about location qualifications, contact Amanda.L.Wieberg@mda.mo.gov or call (573)-751-7794. The application, grant guidelines, and more information are available at https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/food-insecure.php. More details about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs can be found at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

Information from this article can be found here.