SERVE, Inc., a Fulton food pantry, is to receive $645,000 through a state grant program.
The nonprofit is to receive the money through the Community Revitalization Grant Program, according to a news release from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's office.
The Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded more than $94 million through the program for 70 projects across the state on Thursday.
SERVE, founded in 1971 by nine local churches, according to its website, is based in Fulton and offers Callaway County's door-to-door public transportation. It also offers a pantry and a thrift store.
The nonprofit intends to use its grant to buy a site, where all its services will be under one roof, according to Executive Director Courtney Harrison.
Whether the organization builds new, or buys an existing facility has yet to be determined.
"The grant is used for consolidation of services," Harrison said. "We have a super small food pantry with administrative client services and transportation."
The DED program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and part of Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan, is focused on investing in communities of all sizes to support local priorities, encourage economic recovery, and build resilience for the future, according to a Governor's Office news release.
"We're excited to announce these significant investments through the Community Revitalization Grant Program to help strengthen our communities and the future of our state," Parson said in the release. "As we continue our work to ensure our state's economy remains strong, these grant awards will make a real difference for local communities. Projects funded through this program will benefit Missourians all across our state by supporting critical services and addressing local needs."
The grant program launched in September 2022. It awarded competitive grants to applicants, including municipalities, counties, and nonprofit organizations to benefit households, communities, and small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards will fund a variety of projects, such as downtown property renovations, business skills training, homelessness prevention, and more, according to the release.
The program will have positive effects on Missouri communities while supporting the state's economy, according to Maggie Kost, acting DOD director.
Details on recipients of the Community Revitalization Grant Program are available at the DED's website.