The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made significant advancements in food purchasing efforts through new programs administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS) fund purchasing programs that aim to strengthen local and regional food systems, improve agricultural supply-chain resiliency, and support underserved producers. The application period for LFPA closed on May 20; applications for LFS remain open for eligible organizations until July 20, 2022.
“The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program are important parts of USDA’s wholistic approach to invest in the future of rural communities as we transform the food system to be one that is more resilient, more equitable, and fairer for both producers and consumers,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Through these programs, combined with our ongoing efforts to support producers, invest in the middle of the supply chain, and support competitive markets, we are making good on the Biden-Harris Administration’s promise to strengthen food supply chains while delivering food to those who need it.”