By Scout Nelson
Kansas City is directing more than $200,000 toward local agriculture to increase access to fresh, healthy food throughout the community. The investment comes through the Promoting Local Agriculture and Neighborhood Transformation (PLANT) Microgrant Program, administered by the Neighborhood Services Department. This year, grants have been awarded to 23 organizations committed to strengthening the city’s food system.
“Kansas City's strength has always been rooted in our neighborhoods, and the PLANT Microgrant Program exemplifies our commitment to growing from the ground up,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas.
“By investing in local growers and community gardens, we're cultivating economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood pride. Our city is planting seeds in our communities, building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods for all our residents."
The program is designed to combat food insecurity by investing directly in community growers and neighborhood-based farms. Funding will support expanded production, improved distribution of fresh produce, and the creation of stronger local food networks.
“I am thrilled that such an impressive group of urban growers will receive much-needed support,” said Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley. “Urban Agriculture is vital to Kansas City, and I am proud that so many are working to feed our community.”
The 2025 PLANT microgrants were awarded to groups including BoysGrow Farm, Sankara Farm, Dunbar Farms, Vine & Fig Tree, Global One Urban Farming, the Kansas City Urban Farm Cooperative, and many others, reflecting the city’s commitment to supporting diverse urban agriculture efforts.
Photo Credit: pexels-denise-nys
Categories: Kansas, Business, Crops, Rural Lifestyle