Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools
The Missouri Grown program is providing up to $1,000 reimbursement to registered Missouri schools and Early Childcare Education Centers (ECE) to cover the purchase of specialty crops from a Missouri farmer between April 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023. 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. It 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 activity, served in regular school meals and/or saved for later use. The specialty crop can NOT be sent home with students.
Another component of this project is to encourage and build relationships between schools/ECEs and Missouri farmers. A school district and ECE can only receive the reimbursement 4 times (per semester) and funds are available on a first come, first served basis until funds are exhausted. Schools must collect paid itemized invoices or receipts from farmers with a proof of payment. See invoice examples.
An Early Childcare Education Center must be found on the Childcare Provider Search.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture must receive all paperwork by November 30, 2023.
To be considered for reimbursement
- Complete application
- Submit paid (zero balance) itemized invoice from Missouri farmer and proof of payment which must include:
- The invoice must include: Business Name, Address, Contact Person, Date of Purchase, Items purchased, Quantity of each item, Price per Unit of Each Item and the Total and signatures of customer and farmer. See invoice examples.
- Submit completed Specialty Crop Education Survey
- For reimbursement payment schools must register in MissouriBuys