Missouri Nonprofit Lands $2.15M Grant to Transform Rural Food and Farm Businesses
A Missouri-based nonprofit has secured a major grant to boost rural food and farm businesses across the region. New Growth, headquartered in Appleton City, received $2.15 million from the Patterson Foundation to expand its support for local entrepreneurs. The funding will also help improve child-care access and maintain a volunteer driver network in underserved communities.
The two-year grant will allow New Growth to work alongside a five-state team of business assistance partners. Previously known as the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, this group now operates as the Heartland Food Business Coalition. Their focus remains on helping food and farm entrepreneurs reach local and regional markets with specialized support.
New Growth plans to hire a dedicated farm business counselor to guide rural enterprises. Three additional partners will join the effort, offering tailored assistance to small farms and food producers in western Missouri and Kansas. Activities will include business training workshops, one-on-one coaching, and grants to help companies expand their market reach.
A significant portion of the funding—$1 million—will go directly to food and farm enterprises. These grants aim to strengthen their ability to bring local products to consumers. Logistical support for food aggregators and regional resource development will also receive backing under the program.
Katie Nixon, who leads New Growth’s food systems program, highlighted the grant’s importance. She described it as a vital investment in small farms, which play a key role in revitalising rural communities. The funding is expected to build resilience in local food supply chains while creating new economic opportunities.
The $2.15 million grant will fund practical support for rural businesses over the next two years. New Growth and its partners will deliver training, grants, and logistical aid to strengthen food and farm enterprises. The initiative aims to create lasting benefits for local economies and food systems in the region.
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