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New Growth News

Job Opening: Farm and Food Programs and Policy Director
Do you have a passion for strengthening family farms and local food systems? The Programs and Policy Director will strengthen family farm operations and elevate farmer voices.

Missouri Family Farm Groups Team Up to Tackle Barriers
New grant funding supports business development and policy action for local food producers. With partner Missouri Farmers Union, New Growth will hire a Programs and Policy Director to strengthen representation of family farm interests.

Driving So No One is Left Waiting
After a career in law enforcement and still with a heart to serve, Kevin was looking for a meaningful way to keep helping people without the pressure. As a New Growth Transit volunteer driver, he discovered that reliability itself can be a powerful way to ease the burden for others.

From Plate to Soil: Composting at Farm to Fork
At the Farm to Fork Summit on March 6, sustainability doesn’t stop at what’s on the plate. In 2026, we’re composting all food waste from the event—turning leftovers into nourishment for the soil and the community.

Join the New Growth Team and Support Local Farmers
New Growth is looking for two passionate, community-minded individuals to join our team! Both positions offer the chance to make a real impact in rural Missouri while enjoying a four-day work week and great benefits.

When Frequent Medical Appointments Become an Impossible Journey
The reality for people living in remote, rural communities is that frequent, life-critical medical appointments are difficult to reach. Dean’s story shows why reliable transportation is needed and matters.

Meet Erin Martin: Champion for Food as Medicine
At the 2026 Farm to Fork Summit on March 6, Erin will share how produce prescription programs are improving outcomes for chronic disease, reducing healthcare costs, and strengthening local food systems.

Local Farm and Food Advocacy Day
February 24, 2026, at the state capitol in Jefferson City, join the Missouri Local Farm and Food Advocacy Day. It's an opportunity for family farms and local food producers and supporters to rally together and visit with state lawmakers.

Farm to Fork Summit 2026
The Farm to Fork Summit & Expo takes place March 6 in Nevada, MO, and features a keynote on food as medicine, breakout sessions on topics like direct-to-consumer sales, regenerative agriculture, USDA programs, agritourism, and more!

Grant will Strengthen Local Food Work in Kansas and Missouri
A grant from the Patterson Family Foundation will provide business assitance to farmers in Kansas and western Missouri and supporting the mission of the Heartland Food Business Coalition.

West Central Missouri Moves Forward with Child Care Action Plan
Today we celebrate the West Central Early Childhood Education Action Plan—seven strategies to strengthen child care in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties, with five moving into action in early 2026.

Driving so No One Has to Be Alone
Tom, a volunteer driver from Vernon County, will tell you he just likes people and respects everyone he meets. Read why Tom chooses to volunteer as a driver and help his neighbors.
