The Missouri Grown program is providing up to $1,000 reimbursement to school food services and Early Childcare Education Centers (ECE) to cover the purchase of specialty crops from a Missouri farmer.

According to a news release, this project aims to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in children and adults in schools/ECEs. Each school/ECE is required to complete one educational activity about specialty crop production.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture says, tt is highly encouraged that this activity include the farmer, and can be either in-person or virtual. The specialty crops can be served before or after the educational lesson. The specialty crop can be for taste testing, educational activities or served in the school meals or snacks.

Officials say another objective of this project is to encourage and build relationships between schools/ECEs and Missouri farmers. A school/ECE can only receive the reimbursement one time and funds are available on a first come, first serve basis until funds are exhausted.

For more information, contact Lexi Jose at alexis.jose@mda.mo.gov.