Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools 2024-2026 Reimbursement
The Missouri Grown program is requesting applications for Missouri school districts and Early Care & Education Centers (ECE) to submit an application to purchase consumable Missouri specialty crops directly from farmers, starting in December 2024 and continuing through December 2026. Each school district can apply for a maximum of $4,000 and ECEs can apply for a maximum of $2,000. Applications are open until November 22, 2024 with an anticipated award date of December 2024. Funds will be reimbursed to schools and ECEs throughout the grant period. Consumable specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey and syrup. For a full list of USDA identified consumable specialty crops, click here.
The purpose of the Promoting Specialty Crop Reimbursement Grant for Missouri schools and ECEs is to increase the consumption and knowledge of specialty crops in Missouri. Schools and ECEs will be able to purchase consumable specialty crops from a Missouri farmer between December. 2024 through December. 31, 2026. The purchases and the educational activities must be completed by December. 31, 2026 and all paperwork must be submitted to MDA by January. 15, 2027.
Reimbursements can take place periodically throughout the two-year grant period. Each school/ECE is required to complete educational activities about specialty crop production during the grant period. Details will follow on educational activities once awarded.
It is highly encouraged, but not required, that the educational activity include the Missouri farmer. The consumable specialty crop can be for taste testing, the educational activity, served in regular school meals/snacks, or saved for later use. The educational survey has space to collect information on the use of the specialty crops that are purchased. The specialty crop can NOT be sent home with students and its sole purpose cannot be decoration.
Once awarded, documents will be shared with examples of detailed invoices, proof of payment examples and the educational activity requirements.
To be eligible, an Early Childcare Education Center (ECE) must be found on the Childcare Provider Search.