The Kellogg Foundations provided funding to University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Rural Crisis Center to build community food systems in Missouri. Over the course of the project (2004-2008), our purpose was to nurture and expand the emerging community-based agriculture and food system in Missouri by coordinating a network of farmers, processors, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants and consumers in Kansas City, Mid-Missouri and St. Louis.

The intended outcomes of this project were:

• Locally produced food is available in greater volume and variety throughout Missouri because thriving, entrepreneurial businesses, including processors, distributors, grocers, chefs and food services, feature locally produced food products.
• Farmers have increased the economic viability and diversity of their farming operations and understand that the development of local food systems represents an economic opportunity for the future of their operation.
• Demand for sustainably produced local food in Kansas City, St. Louis and Mid-Missouri has risen because there is increased knowledge of the benefits of locally produced food among the general public as well as increased access for limited resource eaters.
• There is state and federal financial support for and policies that encourage local food systems development, planning and capacity building because Missouri citizens and policy-makers understand the benefits of locally produced foods.

  For more information:

  • Proposal to Build Community Food Systems in Missouri
  • Evaluation of the project
  • Contact:

  Mary Hendrickson, Ph.D. Director, Food Circles Networking Project 200 Gentry Hall University of Missouri Columbia, MO 65211 Tele: 573-882-7463 Fax: 573-882-5127 Web: www.foodcircles.missouri.edu

  Rhonda Perry Program Director Missouri Rural Crisis Center 1108 Rangeline Road Columbia, MO 65201 Tele: 573-449-1336

  Publications