2026 CDS Annual Conference

From 2023–2025, University of Missouri Extension united nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, schools, and community organizations to strengthen rural food systems and support local agricultural economies. Through 31 events funded by USDA and state partners, Extension distributed over 19,000 pounds of protein, 2,850 bottles of honey, 250 produce bags, and 1,200 pumpkins, benefiting thousands of households while sustaining local producers. These efforts engaged 25 faculty and staff, 72 volunteers, and 46 partners, creating a collaborative model addressing food insecurity, promoting health, and boosting economic resilience. Extension’s cross-sector approach demonstrates how partnerships can achieve shared goals for thriving communities.