COLUMBIA, Mo. – Across Missouri, one in nine people – including one in eight children – face hunger. Using data available on All Things Missouri, we can clearly see overlapping areas of high food insecurity and food deserts (figure 1) in the state. In these areas, residents are unable to meet food needs at least seven months out of the year, and at least 33% of the population has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store.

To help Missourians experiencing both food insecurity and low food access, the Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems and University of Missouri Extension created Show Me Food, a free resource that helps connect local food producers and consumers around the state.

Features include the Food Finder, which lets producers add their food to the map (figure 2). Consumers can then browse the map by keyword or address to find local food sources.

Additionally, the Local Food Guide provides a tailored list of food businesses by category (such as butcher shops, farm/on-farm markets, food pantries, etc.) for folks to explore.

The site also contains a set of MU Extension resources to help with food preservation, food safety, cooking and more.

The goal of Show Me Food is to support a strong, sustainable food system in Missouri that is accessible to everyone. To aid in this effort, be sure to add local food businesses in your community. We also hope Show Me Food becomes your go-to resource for finding local food near you.