Missouri Food Finder

www.MOFoodFinder.org is a new online tool that easily connects Missouri consumers with people growing and selling locally produced food in their region.

Developed by University of Missouri Extension’s Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES) in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Food Finder helps address an immediate need, said Jo Britt-Rankin, associate dean with MU Extension Human Environmental Sciences.

The economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to hit local producers and growers hard, threatening businesses and livelihoods as they are cut off from their usual markets and selling opportunities, said Marshall Stewart, MU vice chancellor for extension and engagement. Consumers face the loss of many usual food options and have heightened concerns about how and where they will be able to buy food.

“This easy-to-use resource connects Missouri growers and families in powerful ways that will help farmers and small businesses continue to thrive, while also helping families find nutritious local and regional food options,” Stewart said. “I’m proud of our team for seeing this problem and so quickly offering a practical solution.”

As with the 4-H Feeding Missouri statewide food drive collaboration with Drive to Feed Kids, MU Extension and Engagement continues to focus on the state’s food insecurity challenges, Stewart said. “We know that during these extraordinary times, we need extraordinary solutions to resolve food insecurity challenges.”