Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS)

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), requests applications from state governments for the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Program. The goal will be to establish cooperative agreements with state governments for the purpose of purchasing domestic, locally grown foods from local producers, small businesses, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers for distribution to schools. AMS will make only one award per state government; agencies within the state must coordinate if more than one agency wishes to implement this program. The state governments can also partner with local organizations. Up to $200 million is available from funds authorized under section 5(c) of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 USC 714c(c)). This announcement identifies the eligibility criteria for LFS applicants, the application forms, and associated instructions needed to apply for an LFS award. AMS encourages applications that benefit both small businesses and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers and provides food distribution to schools. For cooperative agreements intending to serve these entities, applicants should engage and involve those beneficiaries when developing projects and applications. AMS would like these relationships and purchase and distribution channels to continue past the conclusion of this program.

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