The Missouri Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a competitive grant program aimed at reducing food insecurity and boosting community economic development, with specific funding pools available for both urban and rural communities in the Ozarks.
The Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant will fund projects that support farmers markets and other initiatives working to expand local food production and access. Eligible applicants include individuals, groups, businesses or agriculture-related organizations.
Key grant details:
- Funding limit: Qualifying projects can receive up to $50,000.
- Reimbursement: Applicants will be reimbursed for up to 75% of the total project expenses incurred during the grant period.
- Application deadline: Applications must be received by Aug. 26.
- Project timeline: Awarded projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
Local eligibility and funding pools
Funding is divided into separate pools for urban and rural communities, based on 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data. The census defines urban areas as densely developed territories encompassing at least 2,000 housing units or 5,000 people.
Locally, West Plains and Mtn. Grove meet the urbanized area criteria. Eligible projects located within these cities will compete for a portion of the grant funding allotted specifically for urban areas.
Surrounding communities across the region that do not meet the population or housing threshold — including Willow Springs, Mtn. View, Thayer, Alton and other nearby towns — are classified as rural. Projects in these areas will compete for a portion of the $100,000 funding pool dedicated exclusively to rural communities.
To apply, review grant guidelines, or find more information, visit the grant website at agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/food-insecure.php.
For questions regarding a specific location's qualifying status, contact the Agriculture Business Development Division at abd@mda.mo.gov or call 573-751-4762.
