October 29, 2021
Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grants Announced
The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced today that 12 projects will receive funding through the Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grant. The competitive grant program will provide up to $50,000 per project to address food insecurity in urban areas.
“These projects are making a real difference to address food insecurity,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “The partnership between these organizations and state government will play a key role for Missouri citizens in these areas.”
Grant funds may be used to increase food production and availability within an urban area; demonstrate growth of local economic communities; increase local economic impact; increase availability of food to local residents; or enhance already established areas within a community and provide assistance to the community.
The following projects were awarded grant funding in 2021:
- A Red Circle, St. Louis - Addition of a greenhouse, water pump and apiary to the North County Agricultural Education Center.
- Be Well Café, St. Louis - Renovations to create a permanent home for the Be Well Farmers Marketplace.
- Dirt Beast Farm, Kansas City - Equipment to improve on efficient practices and transition to four-season food production for year-round access, as well as a mobile chicken coop.
- Green Acres Urban Farm & Research Project, Kansas City - Expanding aquaponics and vertical gardening.
- GRO Health Center, St. Louis - Design and construction of the Urban Fresh Food Market, which will include three mobile farm stands.
- Joplin Empire Market, Joplin - Addition of a commercial prep kitchen to increase and expand access to the Empire Sprouts kids meal program.
- Jubilee Oasis Farm, St. Louis - Expansion of a garden-side produce cleaning area, to include equipment storage.
Kansas City Community Gardens, Kansas City - Construction and expansion of garden beds and soil improvements at schools and community centers.
Propel Kitchens, St. Louis - Purchase of small wares for the commercial kitchen to increase job training and meal preparation.
Springfield Community Gardens, Springfield - Expanding efforts to provide infrastructure and supplies to support four-season growing at six site locations.
St. Louis Community College, St. Louis - Providing fresh produce at the Meramec Archers’ Market, workshops to assist with creating urban gardens, as well as a feasibility study to address the prevention of food waste.
The Ramsey Garden at Quinn Chapel, Jefferson City - Garden expansion to increase the variety of produce available.
More information about the Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grant can be found at Agriculture.Mo.Gov. To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and other financial assistance, please visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.