Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

Background
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will establish cooperative agreements with state and Tribal governments for the purpose of supporting local, regional, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers through food purchasing under the “Build Back Better Initiative.” State and Tribal governments will purchase food from local and regional farmers/producers, targeting socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. These cooperative agreements will allow for entities to procure local, domestic foods that are unique to their geographic area and meet the needs of the populations.

In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds are expected to help build and expand economic opportunity for local and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers.

Grant Details
USDA will provide the state or Tribal government funding for food purchases as well as guidance, technical assistance, instruction, and monitoring throughout the life cycle of the cooperative agreement. Initial agreements will be distributed incrementally to ensure all interested applicants have an opportunity for an award. Depending on demand, additional agreements may be made available for local governments. The expectation of this program is for recipients to spend the pre-dominance of awarded funds on food purchases.

Food purchases can include both fresh and processed foods. Applicants may also request direct and indirect costs associated with developing and administering the program in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.414. All food purchased must meet the definition of domestically produced as well as the definition of local as defined in section 1.2.1.

The period of performance for the Cooperative Agreements will be two years from the time of award. State agencies and Tribal governments should determine funding amounts based on their local food purchase availability and the needs of underserved communities. Funds may also be used to cover the activities associated with program development, administration, food storage and food distribution.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible entities include the State agencies, commissions, or departments that are responsible for agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency response or similar activities within the State. AMS will make only one award per State or territory; agencies within the State must coordinate if more than one agency wishes to implement this program. Awards to Tribal Governments are not considered a state agency award; additional awards will be made to Tribal Governments.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for the Cooperative Agreements will be two years from the time of award.

Grant Value
Up to $400 million is available from funds authorized under Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (P.L. 117-2). If additional funds are available, USDA will consider awards to local governments.