Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grants Announced
Twelve projects to be funded in urban areas of Missouri.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – 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.
For more information about the Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grant or other grant opportunities available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
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