Drive to Feed Kids Grant

The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, in partnership with Missouri FFA and Missouri 4-H, is offering the 2026 Drive to Feed Kids Grant to provide youth-focused agricultural groups with matching funds for service learning projects that address food insecurity in their local communities. This grant initiative supports the broader Drive to Feed Kids campaign, a year-round program uniting Missouri’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses to combat hunger and educate the public about food production. This matching grant program is specifically available to Missouri FFA chapters, Missouri 4-H clubs, high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) organizations, and collegiate agricultural groups. The grants are designed to empower these student-led organizations to plan and execute impactful projects that directly respond to local food insecurity. Available in two tiers, applicants may apply for a $250 matching grant for chapter-wide efforts, or for a limited number of $750 matching grants for collaborative or multi-group initiatives. Matching funds are required at a 1:1 ratio and may consist of in-kind donations or direct monetary contributions. The service activities must be conducted by April 1, 2026, and an impact report is due by April 17, 2026. Suggested project types include organizing backpack food programs, running food donation drives, hosting educational events, creating community gardens, or developing food box programs. Creative approaches that directly benefit underserved communities and demonstrate youth leadership are encouraged. The application process is divided into two rounds. Round one opens on September 15 and closes on October 15. Applicants will be notified and receive funding by November 7. If funds remain after the first round, a second application window will open on December 1 and close January 16, with award notifications sent by February 1. Proposals will be evaluated based on merit and alignment with the program’s goals of reducing food insecurity and fostering community engagement. All grant proposals must be submitted online through the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids portal. Participating groups must submit a final report detailing their project’s outcomes and measurable impact. This initiative is made possible through a broad coalition of agricultural stakeholders and aims to both serve local needs and cultivate the next generation of service-minded agricultural leaders. For questions, applicants may contact Erin Metzler at erin@mofarmerscare.com. Full program information, including the application and reporting portal, is available at: https://mofarmerscare.com/driveminigrant/.

Be clear about how the proposed project addresses food insecurity. Include strong examples of community impact and collaboration. Ensure the 1:1 match is well documented.