In 2021, USDA launched the $900M Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program, a key step in transforming food systems, with participation from every state. Of this, $691M funds were directly invested in farmers, producing a $1.53B local economic impact! 

LFPA GOALS

• Implement bold, systemic solutions to enhance food security and combat hunger.
• Foster resilient food supply chains and equitable food systems through trust-building and sustainable relationships.
• Strengthen native foodways and local supply chains by investing in new, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers.

WHAT’S WORKING WELL?

The LFPA Program is uniquely tailored to the specific needs and assets of each community.
Key features include:

• A cooperative agreement model offering flexibility in procurement approaches across states.
• Empowerment of tribal and local governments to administer the program and equitably select implementation partners.
• Diverse partnerships leveraging existing relationships with food hubs, food banks, farms, schools, nonprofits, hospitals and early childhood education programs, demonstrating significant impact.
• A community of practice established to support production, address gaps and inform future program iterations.

NEVADA - HOME FEEDS NEVADA

Nevada Department of Agriculture’s producer network and state food banks distributed over 2 million pounds of fresh food to food-insecure families through $3.5M in funding with 20+ producers. Nevada Department of Agriculture’s leadership in logistics ensured success, promoting local agriculture, food security and a resilient food system despite the absence of a food hub.

NORTH CAROLINA

• The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association launched FarmsSHARE in 2020 and expanded it in 2021-2022. It now forms the basis of North Carolina's LFPA Program.
• Fourteen food hubs collaborate with the association, aggregating food from around 120 sustainable farms in North Carolina into CSA-like food boxes.
• These hubs partner with assistance organizations and community-based groups to distribute food boxes to people facing food insecurity. The association's network and FarmsSHARE pilot made it a key partner for North Carolina’s LFPA Program.

MINNESOTA

• Minnesota’s LFPA Program is hosted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and, focuses on socially disadvantaged farmers.
• Food is distributed at no cost to underserved communities statewide.
• Funded though $3.4 million distributed as minigrants to deliver food directly to pantries or networks, and $3.1 million is still available for a second round of funding, with previous applicants eligible to reapply.
• Farmers and organizations can apply through a competitive process with a 70% acceptance rate.

ALASKA

• Alaska’s LFPA Program awarded 419 subgrants in 2022 and 220 in 2021.
• Subgrants targeted food-insecure areas and aimed to increase community food security.
• Recipients must provide a 10% cost match and distribute food for free.
• Repeat awards to the same grantees are not allowed, ensuring broader program reach.