Funding will support states, territories, and Tribes in purchasing and distributing wholesome, locally produced food for food banks, schools, and child care facilities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $1.13 billion investment aimed at strengthening local and regional food systems by extending support to schools, emergency food providers, and childcare centers.
This funding, revealed on October 1, will build on existing programs such as the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools (LFS) program, providing much-needed resources to communities across the United States.
This initiative seeks to bolster food security and support local economies by facilitating the purchase of locally produced, wholesome foods.
States, territories, and federally recognized Tribes can utilize the funding to distribute these foods to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, child care centers under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and emergency food providers like food banks and pantries.
Up to $471.5 million has been designated for schools, another $471.5 million for local feeding programs, and $188.6 million specifically for child care facilities.
A significant portion of the funding, $100 million, is reserved for Tribal governments to address food insecurity and promote healthier food options within their communities. These investments reflect USDA’s ongoing efforts to support underserved producers and communities while reinforcing local supply chains.
“These programs expand on the prior achievements of USDA’s LFPA and LFS programs and carry them into 2025, assuring local farmers, families, and communities that they will continue to get the help they need.”
USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt
This round of funding marks a continuation of USDA’s initiatives that began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The LFPA and LFS programs have collectively invested over $1 billion in local food procurement since their inception.
To date, LFPA has allocated $900 million to 50 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and 84 Tribal governments. These funds have enabled the purchase of food from more than 8,000 local producers, including over 5,000 who are identified as underserved. The food has reached 7,900 food banks, pantries, and community organizations nationwide.
In addition, LFS has provided up to $200 million for states and territories to source local foods for school meal programs. These efforts have forged new partnerships between schools and local producers, giving students access to nutritious food grown within their communities.
As Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Cindy Long noted, “Families can feel good knowing their kids are eating food that was grown right in their own community.”
The USDA’s comprehensive approach aims to create a resilient and fair food supply chain by supporting small and local producers, addressing systemic barriers, and encouraging climate-smart agricultural practices.
These investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to transform America’s food system. The administration’s priorities include enhancing food security, building equitable markets, and promoting sustainable practices to benefit rural communities and the broader agricultural sector.
Interested parties can find more information on how to apply for funding through the LFPA and LFS websites. Producers seeking to become vendors are encouraged to contact their state, territory, or Tribal purchasing authorities for guidance.
