Healthy Food Reimbursements from Missouri Department of Agriculture

Purchase produce from Missouri farmers and you can apply for reimbursements from the Missouri Department of Agriculture.The Missouri Grown program through the Missouri Department of Agriculture is providing up to $1,000 reimbursement to:

• Licensed family child care
• Licensed child care centers and group homes
• License-exempt child care centers

To be eligible, child care programs must purchase specialty crops from a Missouri farmer or farmer's markets that sell Missouri-grown produce. What is a specialty crop? Good question. Specialty crops cover a broad range of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, herbs, and other horticulture. The key part of the program is that fruits and vegetables purchased must be grown in Missouri to support Missouri farmers.

To be considered for reimbursement, child care programs must:

1. Complete an application.
2. Submit a zero balance invoice from a Missouri farmer and proof of payment.
3. Complete one activity about food production, gardening, or farming with the children. You could invite the farmer as a special guest to discuss their work.
4. Be registered in MissouriBuys.

To Learn More

Have a specific question? Contact Lexi Jose at the Missouri Department of Agriculture. She can be reached at Alexis.jose@mda.mo.gov. 

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

FREE Clock Hour Training
Scholarships for Educators
Child Care Health and Wellness
Family Child Care Network
Leadership Development Opportunities
Missouri Office of Childhood Updates
Show Me Child Care Resources
Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri
Community Data
Join Our Team
Resources to Build Your Business