Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program is a grant from the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) that funds projects addressing food insecurity in urban areas of Missouri. The program provides reimbursement grants covering 75% of total project expenditures, up to $50,000.

Eligible projects include establishing or enhancing community prep and processing kitchens, agricultural learning centers, and other food production infrastructure or distribution venues that increase local food availability and support farmers markets and economic development. Applications for the 2025 cycle were due August 27, 2025, with awards anticipated in late September 2025.

All reimbursable expenses must be incurred between the award date and February 25, 2026.

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href, Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program The application period is currently open. Submission deadline is August 27, 2025 at 11:59 p. m.

Please call with any questions. The application period is currently closed. Please call if you have questions.

The Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program provides grants for projects addressing food insecurity in Missouri. Grant applications will be considered for projects that: Reduce food insecurity by increasing food production and availability to local residents. Develop production infrastructure and direct distribution venues or reconstruct product facilities.

Demonstrate growth of local economic communities. Enhance already established areas within a community and provide food production assistance to the community. Projects should support farmers markets and other economic development initiatives, and they should increase food production and availability.

Examples of acceptable projects include the establishment or enhancement of: Community Prep/Processing Kitchens Agricultural Learning Centers Applicants will be responsible for following the timeline and communicating in advance if deadlines cannot be met: Application Submission Deadline: Aug. 27, 2025 Anticipated award date: Late Sept. 2025 MOVERS Registration: Dec.

1, 2025 Reimbursement Request Form Deadline: Feb. 25, 2026 Final Report & Documents Deadline: April 15, 2026 Initial Inspection: Late April 2026 Follow-up Inspection: Spring 2027 All reimbursable project expenses must be made between the award date and Feb. 25, 2026.

The grant amount awarded to any person, group of individuals, business or organization addressing food insecurity is 75% of the total project expenditures, up to $50,000 . Total Project Expenditures This is a reimbursement-only grant, therefore funds will only be released upon the receipt of all paid invoices showing proof of payment, completion of required registrations and after an inspection has been performed by MDA staff.

You do not need to determine specific items to be used for a match. The grant only reimburses for 75% of the total eligible project costs. The remaining 25% represents your “match” for this grant.

Applicants may be an individual, groups of individuals, businesses, or organizations related to agriculture. Only projects located within one of the following areas are considered urbanized and eligible for a portion of the $500,000 Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program allotted for urban areas. If your area is not listed, you are eligible for a portion of the $100,000 allotted for rural areas.

This data is based on the 2020 U.S. Census: Fort Leonard Wood-St. Robert-Waynesville, MO Village of Four Seasons, MO Whiteman AFB-Knob Noster, MO The United States Census Bureau defines urban areas as: densely developed territories that encompass residential, commercial, and other nonresidential urban land uses. Each urban area must encompass at least 2,000 housing units or at least 5,000 people.

This is a change from the previous minimum of 2,500 people, which had been in place since the 1910 Census . The United States Census Bureau defines rural areas as: any population, housing, or territory that is not included within an urbanized area or urban cluster. If you have questions about your location qualifying, please reach out to grants@mda.

mo. gov , or call (573) 751-7794. Urban areas are defined primarily based on housing unit density measured at the census block level.

Three housing unit densities are applied during the delineation process: Initial urban core: at least 425 housing units per square mile. Based on the national average of 2. 6 people per occupied housing unit, this density threshold is similar to the 1,000 people per square mile used in 2000 and 2010 when delineating initial urban cores Remainder of urban area: at least 200 housing units per square mile.

At least one high-density nucleus of at least 1,275 housing units per square mile required for qualification. This ensures that each urban area contains a high-density nucleus typical of what one would expect to find within an urban area. This is similar to the 500 people per square mile density used for the 2000 and 2010 Censuses, based on the national average of 2.

6 people per occupied housing unit. In addition to the change in minimum thresholds for qualification and the change to use of housing unit density, the Census Bureau also no longer distinguishes between urbanized areas of 50,000 or more people and urban clusters of less than 50,000 people comprising all territory, population, and housing units located in urbanized areas and in places of 2,500 or more inhabitants outside of urban areas.

The term urban refers to both kinds of geographic entities. How does the Program Work? Submitted projects will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Each application will be evaluated and scored using the following criteria: Food insecurity impact potential Once awarded, grantees may begin making all approved project expenditures during the outlined grant period. Reimbursements will only be made for expenditures paid for between the date of award and Feb. 25, 2026.

All expenses submitted must include detailed receipts with clear proof of payment and dates listed. Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report to MDA by April 15, 2026, at 11:59 p. m.

Grantees will be responsible for meeting ALL the following requirements prior to reimbursement: Register as a vendor with the State of Missouri through the MOVERS web portal and be in “Approved” status by December 1st, 2025 Register to do business in Missouri and be in good standing with the Secretary of State , if applicable. Provide MDA a Certificate of No Tax Due (valid for 90 days).

Must have proof of enrollment in E-Verify by providing an MOU.

Eligible & Ineligible Expenses Awarded funds are intended to be used on project supplies including the following examples: Garden tools (Any tools requiring fuel must be pre-approved) Plants, seeds, soil, fertilizer, mulch, gravel, etc. Greenhouse materials and installment Fencing materials (entry gates, t-posts, etc.) Construction materials (for raised garden beds, storage sheds, etc.) Contracted work within grant period Kitchen equipment (refrigerators, freezers, oven/stovetops, sinks, etc.) Food processing equipment and supplies Storage facilities and equipment Water Installation (hydrants, irrigation, sprinkler/drip systems, etc.) Shade cloths, landscape fabric, insect netting, etc. Awarded grant funds are NOT intended for the following: Paying off existing loans Costs incurred prior to the date or grant award Livestock or poultry purchases Security system equipment and/or installation Operational costs such as payroll, utilities, or insurance Salaries/fringe benefits of those involved in the grant project Buying or leasing land or buildings Buying or leasing of machinery or equipment, unless previously approved Costs incurred through other MDA financial opportunities FY26 Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.

m. on August 27, 2025 . Applications should be emailed and submitted to: Missouri Department of Agriculture ABD – Food Insecure Grant For additional information or questions, email Grants@mda.

mo. gov or call (573) 751-7794. Food Insecure Grant Guidelines Food Insecure Grant Application Ag Business Development Division Ag Business Development Staff Food Insecure Grant - Previously Funded