Joplin Empire Market expanding kids meal program

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Empire Market is expanding its “Empire Sprouts kids meal program.”

The market is receiving a $45,000 matching grant from the Missouri Department of Agriculture to address food insecurity.

The market will be purchasing a commercial prep kitchen so it can expand its free kids meals program that started during the pandemic.

Right now they make 20 to 40 free meals a week and they hope to double that with the new kitchen.

“We’re really excited to start this project. It’s been something weve been dreaming about for a long time now. We think this will be a really great addition to the market and help us be able to grow and continue to give back to the community,” said Lindsay Gagnon, Joplin Empire Market Director.

Twelve projects across missouri are being funded by the “Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Matching Grant.”

The market expansion must be completed by April 1, 2022.

Joplin Empire Market is celebrating Halloween

JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin Empire Market is celebrating Halloween with events for the whole family.

Saturday morning the market had a petting zoo with baby goats, alpacas and a flemish giant rabbit.

The community garden was decked out with homemade zombie scarecrows and vendors were handing out candy to kids.

“We are a weekly farmers market, but we are also are just really passionate about building community and engaging the community. And being a gathering place for people to come and feel welcomed,” said Lindsay Gagnon, Joplin Empire Market Director.

Saturday night the market hosted its first night market of the year called “Cauldrons & Cocktails

There were artisan vendors, creepy cocktails and a costume contest for kids and adults.