USDA Announces Over $1 Billion in Funding for Local Foods Programs

December 17, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced an additional $1.13 billion to support local and regional food systems. This funding builds upon USDA’s previous investments in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs.

Funding is available to states, territories, and federally recognized Tribes to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods for distribution within their communities. Target recipients include emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers. Note: Funding is not available directly to producers.

Opportunities for IFPA Members

While funding is not available directly to producers, IFPA members growing or supplying locally grown produce in the regions awarded may be able to serve as suppliers. Producers and suppliers must proactively establish relationships with entities applying for these funds. In some states, previous funding allocations may still be available.

Producers and suppliers wishing to receive information about becoming a vendor for LFPA or for LFS should contact the respective state, territory, or Tribal purchasing authorities.

Previous agreements can be found here.

Funding Overview

Up to $471.5 million will support the purchase of local, unprocessed, or minimally processed domestic foods for schools participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs

Up to $188.6 million will benefit child care facilities participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program

An additional $471.5 million will support local feeding programs, including food banks, schools, and organizations serving underserved communities. Of this amount, $100 million is allocated to Tribal governments.

IFPA’s Advocacy Efforts

IFPA continues to advocate for opportunities to utilize the existing fresh produce supply chain to improve access and consumption of fruits and vegetables, including USA-grown fruits and vegetables in the nation’s feeding programs. Additional areas of focus include the Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, Produce Prescriptions, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and more.

Contact IFPA Vice President, Nutrition and Health Mollie Van Lieu with questions.

USDA Announces Over $1 Billion in Funding for Local Foods Programs

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