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Grant Program Offers Up to $25,000 for Local Food Businesses in Kansas, Western Missouri

Jory Boyd

• 1 min read
Grant Program Offers Up to $25,000 for Local Food Businesses in Kansas, Western Missouri
Courtesy of Cowley County, Kansas

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Local food businesses in rural Kansas and western Missouri may be eligible for grants of up to $25,000 through a new program announced by the Heartland Food Business Coalition, according to the Sumner County Conservation District.

The Harvest to Market Grant focuses on post-harvest and go-to-market investments that help local food businesses grow and serve regional markets more effectively, according to the Sumner County Conservation District.

Eligible expenses include processing equipment, cold storage and refrigeration, distribution and delivery equipment, packaging and labeling improvements, marketing and branding investments, online sales platforms, logistics and supply chain systems, product development and value-added food processing.

Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. Unlike many grant programs, Harvest to Market does not require matching funds. Projects will operate on a partial reimbursement basis, with awardees receiving 60% of grant funds upfront and the remaining 40% after submitting a final report at the end of their project. All projects must be completed within six months.

Priority will be given to investments in processing equipment, distribution equipment, logistics systems and marketing that help local food businesses serve local and regional markets more effectively. Projects involving multiple farms or food businesses — such as those pooling products to fulfill larger orders — will receive additional consideration.

To be eligible, businesses must be located in eligible rural counties in Kansas or western Missouri. Nonprofits are not eligible to apply. Approximately $1 million in total funding is available through the program.

Applications are due Aug. 31, 2026, by noon Central Time.

Source: Sumner County Conservation District Facebook page, June 11, 2026. (facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02FfDki4o7oxeTa8gioJnhRkgAwJSmL3Gn3k8cJDUknW4WQVu9TQyjPm7YNtoSfoS3l&id=61551776105032)