Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement Program (LFSCC)
ID: 357532Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS)

Eligible Applicants

State Governments

Funding Category

Food and Nutrition

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Mandatory

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/357532

Additional Information

https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/lfs
Timeline
    Description

    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA is offering the Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement Program (LFSCC), which provides cooperative agreements to state governments for the procurement of local, minimally processed domestic foods for distribution to schools and childcare institutions. The program aims to enhance local food systems by prioritizing purchases from historically underserved producers and small businesses, with a total funding amount of $660.1 million—$471.5 million allocated for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and $188.6 million for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This initiative not only seeks to expand access to local food but also to boost economic opportunities for diverse local food producers and promote community engagement in healthy eating. Interested state governments must submit their project summaries by April 30, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Elizabeth Lober at mrp.ams.lfs@usda.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    mrp.ams.lfs@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    LFSCC.bin
    LFSCC.pdf
    The Local Food for Schools and Child Care Cooperative Agreement Program (LFSCC), funded by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), provides cooperative agreements to state governments for purchasing local, minimally processed, domestic foods for distribution to schools and childcare institutions. With up to $660.1 million available—$471.5 million for schools in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and $188.6 million for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)—the goal is to enhance local food systems by prioritizing purchases from historically underserved producers and small businesses. States must coordinate among agencies and can partner with local organizations for implementation. The application, due by April 30, 2025, requires a project summary that outlines proposed purchases, outcomes, and budgets, emphasizing projects that integrate culturally relevant foods. Funding is restricted exclusively to food procurement, disallowing costs for program administration. AMS encourages ongoing relationships with local producers beyond the funding period. The program aims to not only expand access to local food but also boost economic opportunities for diverse local food producers and promote community engagement in healthy eating.
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