Due to current budget constraints, New Growth Transit has made changes to how we provide rides, and though continued support is needed, we are announcing a new partner for Medicaid-eligible rides.

The 2025 Farm to Fork Summit and Expo was a huge success, bringing together over 170 people to celebrate and strengthen local food connections. See the listing of local contributors to the food value chain who attended and are helping build a resilient regional food system.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing over half a million visitors to Kansas City, but with hotels expected to reach capacity, travelers will be looking for places to stay and explore up to 2.5 hours away—right in our region. With the Route 66 Centennial Festival and Branson attractions drawing tourists south, now is the time for rural businesses and communities to prepare for this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.

As host of the award-winning podcast Just Grow Something and owner of Wolf Creek Family Farm in Peculiar, Missouri, Karin brings expertise and inspiration to the Farm to Fork Summit to help small farmers succeed. Don’t miss her keynote on income diversification and breakout on making the most at farmers markets!

Empowering the local farm and food entrepreneurs needed to make local food an easy choice for individuals, schools, grocers, and restaurants is the focus of the 7th annual Farm to Fork Summit taking place on March 7 in Nevada, MO

Applications close January 8, 2025. Register today for the December 19 webinar on this Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program!

We're thrilled to announce national egg brand Vital Farms has recently invested $25,000 to support New Growth’s efforts to strengthen local food systems and grow food and farm businesses in rural Missouri. This partnership highlights the shared commitment to sustainable family farming and underscores the importance of initiatives like the upcoming Farm to Fork Summit in March.

Our volunteer drivers' incredible milestone of one million miles of free rides in 2024 has been celebrated across multiple platforms, including a feature on KSHB Channel 41 News, an online story at KCTV 5, spotlight on KY3, and local coverage in Bolivar’s Herald-Free Press. This recognition highlights the transformative impact of rural transportation and the dedication of the volunteers who make it possible.

The Heartland Regional Food Business Center received an incredible 479 applications for the first round of our Business Builder grant, aimed at helping small and midsize food and farm businesses expand and thrive. This strong response highlights the demand for resources that support local food entrepreneurs across our five-state region!

New Growth Transit celebrates a remarkable milestone: over 1 million miles of free rides provided to rural Missourians in 2024—equivalent to circling the globe 40 times. This achievement underscores the vital role of our volunteer drivers in connecting residents to essential services.

With nearly half of Missouri’s young children living in "child care deserts," a new report from the New Growth Women’s Business Center and University of Missouri Extension, proposes a business-oriented solution: shared services or central office support for small and home-based child care providers.

The Liston Center, a community hub in El Dorado Springs and home to New Growth offices, has installed a generator to keep essential services running during power outages. Funded by a USDA grant and a trivia night fundraiser, future events will continue to support the plan to build a community-serving commercial kitchen.