The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing over half a million visitors to Kansas City, but with hotels expected to reach capacity, travelers will be looking for places to stay and explore up to 2.5 hours away—right in our region. With the Route 66 Centennial Festival and Branson attractions drawing tourists south, now is the time for rural businesses and communities to prepare for this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity.

They’ve called Benton County, MO home since 1990. James, a retired truck driver and volunteer firefighter with over 60 years of service, is a Korean War veteran. At 92, he’s still committed to his community, working the phones and radio at the local fire department but needs the help of New Growth Transit to reach his frequent medical appointments.

Kate, a volunteer driver, shares touching stories of how reliable transportation changes lives in rural communities. From cancer patients to working parents, her experiences show how a simple ride can bring independence, relief, and connection.

With support from New Growth, Tyler Throckmorton launched We the People Cattle Company in Lincoln, Missouri, and later pivoted to create We the People Pets, a business that supports the community, promotes local partnerships, and addresses challenges in the raw pet food market. His efforts also fund mentorship programs for fatherless boys, highlighting the transformative impact of empowering rural entrepreneurs.

As host of the award-winning podcast Just Grow Something and owner of Wolf Creek Family Farm in Peculiar, Missouri, Karin brings expertise and inspiration to the Farm to Fork Summit to help small farmers succeed. Don’t miss her keynote on income diversification and breakout on making the most at farmers markets!

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.

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, spotlight on KY3, 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.