Missouri Farmers Care opens applications for drive to Feed Kids Grants

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation (MFCF) is now accepting applications for the 2027 Drive to Feed Kids Grant program.

The grants provide funding for local projects aimed at reducing food insecurity and helping Missouri families facing hunger.

The matching grant program supports FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, career and technical education (CTE) organizations, and collegiate agriculture-related organizations in implementing hunger-relief projects in their communities. Previous recipients have launched backpack food programs, strengthened community food pantries, organized meal distribution events, hosted food drives and launched other local service projects.

“Farmers and ranchers know what it means to provide for others, and Missouri agriculture has a long history of stepping up when our neighbors need help,” said Ashley McCarty, Executive Director of Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. “Through the Drive to Feed Kids, we’re bringing that spirit of service together with the energy of our young people and the strength of our agricultural community to make a meaningful difference for Missouri families.”

Applications are being accepted through October 26, 2026. Grant awards range from $250 to $750, with recipients providing a matching contribution through funds, supplies or other eligible support. Full details and the online application are available at www.mofarmerscare.com/drive- to-feed-kids/grants .

The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids is made possible through the generous support of Missouri agriculture and business partners, including: ADM, Brownfield Ag News, American Family Insurance, Missouri FQHC Rural Health Network, Nutra-Blend, MFA Incorporated, Show-Me America 250, FCS Financial, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, The Poultry Federation, Jerry Litton Family Memorial Foundation, Smithfield Foods, Missouri Farm Bureau, Martin Rice, Missouri FFA Foundation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Hunter’s Moon Run N Gun, Missouri's Electric Cooperatives, PivotBio, Beck’s Hybrids, Missouri 4-H Foundation, Missouri Pork, and Missouri State Fair Foundation.

Last year, grant-funded projects provided the equivalent of over 145,000 meals.

Since 2017, the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids, presented with ADM and Brownfield Ag News, has provided over 14.5 million meals to Missouri families in need through partnerships across Missouri’s agriculture community. The grant program continues this mission by investing directly in local organizations and the young leaders working to address hunger in their own communities.