Missouri 4-H tops 2.5 million meals through 4-H Feeding Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H youths helped provide 250,271 meals to families facing food insecurity through the 2026 4-H Feeding Missouri campaign, pushing the initiative past 2.5 million meals statewide since 2019.

Held annually from January through April, the campaign mobilizes young people to serve their communities through volunteering at food banks, organizing drives, raising funds and building awareness about hunger in Missouri, said Sherry Grace, marketing and communications coordinator for Missouri 4-H, a program of University of Missouri Extension.

Moniteau County earned top honors in this year’s county competition, contributing 77,477 meals.

4-H Feeding Missouri is a partnership of Missouri 4-H and two statewide organizations focused on agriculture and hunger relief: Missouri Farmers Care and Feeding Missouri. Together, they work to support Missouri families, raise awareness about food insecurity and empower youths to give back through service.

Through the Drive To Feed Kids matching grant program, youths lead hunger-relief efforts in their own communities, Grace said. Matching grants ranging from $250 to $750 are awarded to 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, collegiate organizations and career and technical education programs to support local projects addressing food insecurity. Participating groups raise matching funds and secure in-kind contributions to expand the impact of their service efforts. This year, 24 Missouri 4-H clubs received Drive To Feed Kids grants to support local hunger-relief projects.

“4-H youth are showing what it means to lead through service,” said Tim Tanner, Missouri 4-H senior program director. “Their passion for helping others continues to create real impact in communities across Missouri.”

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.

Photos

Members of the Eager Eagles 4-H club in Moniteau County collecting canned goods and donations.

Missouri 4-H youths in Tipton holding a food drive in a grocery store.