Application deadline is Aug. 31 for grants ranging from $5K to $25K.
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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Food businesses in parts of western Missouri and rural Kansas may be eligible for a new grant designed to strengthen local food and farm enterprises, said Bill McKelvey, senior project coordinator for University of Missouri Extension.
Applications for the Harvest to Market grant are due by Aug. 31. Funds must be spent over a six-month period, said McKelvey. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000; no matching funds are required. Recipients will be notified around mid-November.
Priority will be given to investments in processing equipment, distribution equipment, logistics systems and marketing investments that help food businesses serve local and regional markets more effectively, said McKelvey.
Missouri applicants must live in one of these counties: Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Benton, Caldwell, Carroll, Clinton, Dekalb, Daviess, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Lafayette, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Ray, St. Clair, Saline, Vernon or Worth.
Businesses that might be eligible include retail food sales outlets, farms and ranches, food and farm cooperatives, value-added processors, businesses involved in aggregation and distribution, food hubs and tribal food and farm enterprises. Nonprofits are not eligible to apply.
Examples of how the funds can be used include building a website, setting up an online store, marketing activities, feasibility studies, packaging, equipment, alterations of existing buildings or facilities, construction, direct costs related to personnel working on the project, and meat processing after slaughter and initial processing.
“These grants are intended to help businesses in the local food space take the next step to reach more customers and grow their business,” said McKelvey. “Ultimately, this helps meet the demand for locally grown food and support rural economies.”
Projects involving multiple farms and/or food businesses—such as pooling products to fulfill larger orders—will receive additional consideration.
More information, including answers to frequently asked questions, application form and how to get help. There is also a YouTube video about the grant.
This project is part of the Heartland Food Business Coalition and is operated by New Growth/West Central Missouri Community Action Agency. Project partners include The Kansas City Food Hub, The Food Circle, University of Missouri Extension, Kansas State University Research and Extension, and the Kansas Rural Center.