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

The Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant aims to create a thriving local food system by directly addressing food insecurity and community development. It supports projects to expand local food production and access by fostering community economic growth.

Qualifying projects of up to $50,000 must benefit residents affected by food insecurity. Applicants will only be reimbursed for 75 percent of the total project expenses incurred during the grant period. Applications are due by August 27, and awarded projects must be complete or near completion by March 31, 2026.

Projects located in a designated urbanized area will be eligible for a portion of the $500,000 allotted for urban communities. Some of these eligible communities include Marshall, Sedalia, Boonville, Higginsville, Moberly, Odessa, and Knob Noster. All other locations not designated as urban will be eligible for a portion of the $100,000 allotted for rural communities.

The application, grant guidelines and more information can be found here.