August 19th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2026 Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program, providing funding for projects designed to reduce food insecurity while strengthening local food systems across the state.
The competitive grant program supports farmers markets and other economic development initiatives that expand local food production and improve access to healthy food for Missouri residents experiencing food insecurity.
Eligible projects may receive grants of up to $50,000. Successful applicants will be reimbursed for up to 75 percent of eligible project expenses incurred during the grant period.
The program is intended to encourage community development while creating stronger local food networks that increase access to fresh, locally produced food.
A total of $350,000 has been allocated for the program. Projects located in designated urbanized areas are eligible to compete for a share of $250,000 in available funding, while projects in non-urban areas will compete for the remaining $100,000 designated for rural communities. Urban and rural classifications are based on 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data.
Applications must be submitted by August 26, 2026, and all funded projects must be completed by March 31, 2027.
Organizations with questions about eligibility or urban and rural designations may contact the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Business Development Division. Additional information, grant guidelines and application materials are available through the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant webpage.