The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a significant step forward by announcing a substantial $1.13 billion investment. This funding is aimed at bolstering local and regional food systems, building on the Department's previous efforts in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs. The impact of these programs extends far and wide, touching the lives of countless Americans.

Strengthening Local Food Systems for a Better Future

Supporting Emergency Food Providers

This round of funding, announced on October 1, enables states, territories, and federally recognized Tribes to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods. These foods will be distributed within their communities to emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers. By doing so, the USDA is ensuring that those in need have access to nutritious food. For example, in one state, the funds have been used to purchase fresh vegetables from local farmers, which are then distributed to food banks. This not only helps to address food insecurity but also supports local farmers and the local economy.Another example can be seen in a territory where the funds have been allocated to purchase locally produced meat. This meat is then used in school lunch programs, providing students with a healthy and sustainable source of protein. The collaboration between the USDA and local producers has led to the establishment of new supply-chain partnerships, ensuring a steady supply of local food.

Expanding to Child Care Facilities

For the first time, the USDA is expanding its successful collaborations to include child care facilities. Cindy Long, USDA's Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, emphasizes the importance of this expansion. "We are excited to build on these successful collaborations that connect schools and emergency food organizations with nutritious food from local farmers and producers by expanding the model to child care facilities," she says.This expansion means that families can feel good knowing that their kids are eating food that was grown right in their own community. In one child care center, for instance, locally produced fruits and vegetables are incorporated into the daily menu. This not only exposes children to a variety of healthy foods but also supports local agriculture.

Allocating Funds for Different Programs

USDA will allocate up to $471.5 million for states and territories to purchase local, unprocessed, or minimally processed domestic foods for use by schools participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs. Additionally, $188.6 million will be allocated for use in child care facilities participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Up to $471.5 million will also be allocated for states, territories, and Tribal governments to use in local feeding programs, including food banks and other organizations that reach underserved communities. Of this, $100 million will go to Tribal governments.These allocations demonstrate the USDA's commitment to reaching all communities and ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food. For example, in a school district with a high percentage of low-income students, the funds will be used to purchase local dairy products. This helps to support local dairy farmers and provides students with a nutritious source of calcium.In a tribal community, the funds will be used to purchase traditional foods such as wild rice and berries. This not only preserves tribal cultures but also provides a healthy alternative to processed foods.The LFPA, LFPA Plus, and LFS programs, conceived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have already invested over $1 billion into local food purchases. Through these programs, USDA has provided $900 million in funding to 50 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and 84 Tribal governments. This has sourced foods from over 8,000 local producers, with more than 5,000 identified as underserved. The wholesome food has gone to 7,900 food banks, food pantries, and communities across America.Today's notice of funding will continue this vital work and provide an additional $1.13 billion to support local agriculture, schools, and feeding programs. The USDA's efforts are transforming America's food system, with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, and ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities.To learn more about USDA's initiatives and how you can get involved, visit www.usda.gov.