Sustainable Food Supply

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Access to Healthy & Affordable Food

MRCC members work on multiple sides of the food supply chain.  We work with independent family farm producers to help them get their products to market. We also help rural families get the food they need in their often remote locations at a price they can afford.  

MRCC understands and works to address food insecurity in both rural and urban communities, where economic injustice and corporate food chains force family farmers out of business, and simultaneously create food deserts for low-income urban neighborhoods. The corporate takeover of our food system impacts all citizens. A healthy food chain requires economically-viable family farms and urban consumers who have access to fresh, local food at affordable prices.

Patchwork Family Farms

Patchwork Family Farms

is a 

c

ooperative marketing effort made up of independent Missouri family hog farmers who want to bring their family farm-raised pork products to you, 

and a program of 

Missouri Rural Crisis Center

.

MRCC launched Patchwork Family Farms in 1993 to give Missouri’s independent family farm hog producers an alternative market to the commodity market that was becoming and has become concentrated and captured by a few multi-national corporations, putting family farmers out of business, extracting wealth from our rural communities and damaging our food security. 

Patchwork Family Farms purchases hogs directly from local, independent family farmers, and producers raise their hogs the traditional way, outside without use of sub-theraputic antibiotics; and, we have a price floor and pay significantly above market price, to ensure our producer members get a fair and good price for their hogs no matter how low the commodity market goes, keeping them in business and supporting local economies and food systems

By purchasing Patchwork Family Farm pork products, you are directly supporting independent agriculture, rural economies and Missouri farm families.

Patchwork Family Farms

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Missouri Rural Crisis Center’s Food Cooperative Program Has Brought Food and Supplies to Missouri’s Rural Communities Since the 80’s

MRCC’s Food Cooperative Program started as an emergency food program during the Farm Crisis of the 80’s and helped get people in rural areas the food and supplies they needed during difficult and challenging times. 

In the 90’s, MRCC transitioned the program into a food cooperative, and currently delivers items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, staples such as cereal and flour, canned goods, dish and laundry soap, bread and Patchwork Family Farms pork to families in 8 different communities serving 20 counties. 

Now the Food Cooperative is a lifeline for many during these challenging times.  Contact us to learn more about how you can volunteer to help or become a co-op member.

 

 

 

How does the Co-op Work and Who is Eligible?

The program is open to any MRCC member with a minimum donation of $10 a year.

The food program costs $22 for each “unit” each month, cost may vary slightly by chapter.  Families can order up to 3 units a month and can skip months if they wish. FYI: $22 does not cover the whole cost of the items and administering the program, which MRCC helps offset. 

Each month, families receive food staples such as: canned goods, dry goods, bread, fruit and produce, cleaning supplies, 3 to 4 packages of Patchwork Family Farms pork, and eggs.

Where Can you Find the MRCC Co-op Food Program

MRCC’s Food Cooperative relies on the work of community volunteers. MRCC members contribute hundreds of volunteer hours every year to make the program run smoothly. The program is divided into chapters, with each chapter serving local counties throughout Missouri, and coordinated by chapter leaders. Volunteers at each location sort and distribute the food into shares. Participants pick up their share at the drop off spot on their designated day each month.

 

Drop off spots inlcude:

  • Macon
  • Moberly
  • Chillicothe
  • Sedalia
  • Smithton
  • Versailles
  • Gravios Mills
  • Columbia

To learn more about MRCC’s Food Co-op or to volunteer to help, call MRCC at (573) 449-1336.  

Discover More About Sustainable Food Supply

Farms are for Everyone Camp

Farms are for Everyone Camp

Jul 12, 2022

On Saturday, MRCC and United People St. Louis brought together over 60 people for our “Farms are for Everyone Farm...

Half Hog Raffle

Half Hog Raffle

Jun 30, 2022

MRCC is holding our first-ever half-hog raffle! Don't miss your chance to stock up on Patchwork Family Farms'...

Feeding a Community in Crisis

Feeding a Community in Crisis

Sep 23, 2020

MRCC and Patchwork Farms partnered with local businesses to help the community in need. With community support we have...

Why Join MRCC’s Membership

MRCC is able to deliver meaningful victories because of the ability to call people into action with mailings, meetings, phone calls, research, and action alerts.  By joining MRCC, you are investing in your future and the future of independent farmers and consumers across the country.

  • Support Family Farmers and Rural Community
  • Promote a safe, affordable high-quality food supply for consumers. 
  • Protect the environment for future generations. 
  • Create economic opportunities for Missouri.
  • Engage Missourians in the democratic process. 

 

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Current Program Areas

Factory Farm and State Policy

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Federal Farm & Food Policies

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Conservation Outreach

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Rural Healthcare Initiative

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Sustainable Food Supply

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Patchwork Family Farms

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