Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools 2024-2026 Reimbursement
Promoting Specialty Crops in Missouri Schools 2024-2026 Reimbursement supports schools and early care centers buying Missouri crops and teaching crop production to increase consumption and knowledge.
Funder: Missouri Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: November 22, 2024 (Application) | December 31, 2026 (Purchases and educational activities) | January 15, 2027 (Final paperwork)
Funding Amounts: Up to $4,000 per school district or $2,000 per ECE, reimbursed during December 2024–December 2026
Summary: Supports Missouri schools and early care centers purchasing Missouri-grown specialty crops directly from farmers and teaching specialty crop production.
Key Information: Educational activities are required, and ECE applicants must appear on the designated Childcare Provider Search listing.
Description
The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Grown program supports Missouri school districts and Early Care & Education Centers (ECEs) in purchasing consumable Missouri specialty crops directly from farmers. The program aims to increase consumption and knowledge of specialty crops by pairing food purchases with educational activities about specialty crop production.
Supported crops include fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey and syrup. Schools and ECEs may use purchases for taste testing, educational activities, regular meals or snacks, or save them for later use. Funding is provided through periodic reimbursements during the grant period, rather than as an upfront payment. Participation by the Missouri farmer in educational activities is highly encouraged but not required.
