Lake Spring 4-H Club, Dent County, has received a grant from the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation’s Drive to Feed Kids matching grant program, which empowers youth to lead hunger-relief efforts in local communities through Missouri FFA chapters, Missouri 4-H clubs, collegiate, and career and technical education organizations. Since 2022, grant recipients have raised resources to provide more than 575,877 meals to families in need.
“One in six Missouri children and families regularly face hunger; in this time of growing need, Missouri agriculture has expanded our effort to make a difference in their lives,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care Foundation. “The Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids, presented in partnership with ADM and Brownfield Ag News, equips young people to meet the needs they see in their communities and fulfill their commitment to service.”
Drive to Feed Kids matching grants, ranging from $250 to $750, are offered to FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, collegiate organizations, and career and technical education programs. Each group raises matching funds and secures in-kind contributions to expand their local hunger-relief projects. The Missouri Farmers Care Foundation has awarded 52 grants to local organizations committed to addressing food insecurity in their communities.
“These grant funded projects begin this month, meeting needs now, through the holidays, and through the coming year,” continued McCarty. “Missouri farmers and ranchers are dedicated to delivering abundance from our farms and fields. Agriculture is honored to play a small part in the big effort of reducing food insecurity. These grants help youth impact the lives of children and families facing hunger, bringing hope and brighter days to our communities.”
“Every day, 4-H members pledge their hands to larger service, just as they have for over a century,” said Rachel Augustine, Sr. Director of Advancement for MU Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “Through service, 4-H members build stronger communities, foster empathy, and develop the skills they need to be ready for anything. The Missouri 4-H Foundation is proud to support the 2026 Drive to Feed Kids grant program, because it empowers young people to lead positive change in their communities.”
2026 Drive to Feed Kids Events
The Drive will host events throughout the year, culminating at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia. 4-H Feeding Missouri will begin statewide Jan. 1 and will continue through April 30. During Missouri Farmers Care Food Drive Tuesday and Missouri FFA Food Insecurity Service Day on Aug. 18, over 250,000 meals will be packed for those in need. In 2025, the Drive to Feed Kids program raised more than 720,000 meals.
Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the Drive to Feed Kids can find more information and a donation link at www.mofarmerscare.com/drive. All donations are directed to Feeding Missouri, a coalition of Missouri’s six food banks working to alleviate hunger across the state.
