The free forum, Farm to Fork Heartland Facebook Group, is a growing online community connecting local food producers, buyers, and supporters across Missouri, Kansas, and the Heartland region. It serves as a hub for networking, resource sharing, and promoting local food businesses, fostering collaboration within the regional food system.

Michelle felt a little isolated after retiring and moving with her husband from the city to a rural area near Truman Lake in Benton County. Looking for a way to stay active and connected in her new community, becoming a volunteer driver for New Growth Transit turned out to be the perfect fit.

Betty, 85, relies on New Growth Transit to visit her husband, a Korean War veteran, at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg each week. With the help of her sister Phyllis and a caring volunteer driver, these weekly trips are not only a lifeline for Betty and Stanley but also a testament to the power of community.

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.

With the help of a microloan and personalized support from New Growth, Jennifer and Kurtis Jones transformed their love for trading card games into The Game Box—a thriving community hub in Clinton, Missouri.

Rides not only ease the challenges of rural life but also fuel local growth. Stories like Anna’s, a single mother and waitress, and Brent’s, who cannot drive due to a developmental disability, highlight how New Growth Transit helps them get to work. Volunteer drivers make a lasting impact on rural communities, one ride and one individual at a time.

Meet Dustin, a 24-year-old thriving at his job at Walmart, thanks to the reliable support of New Growth Transit. His story highlights how access to dependable transportation fosters independence, eases family burdens, and creates opportunities for individuals in rural communities.

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, 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.

From building a high tunnel to touring different structures and learning innovative techniques from experts like Curtis Millsap and Jason Hirtz, the day was packed with practical knowledge, inspiring conversations, and a sense of true community.

Building on insights from the recent report, Solving Missouri's Child Care Puzzle, this webinar series advances the discussion and explores actionable shared service solutions for child care in Missouri.