The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reportedly made significant advancements in its food purchasing efforts through new programs administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service.
USDA is partnering with states, territories and Tribal nations to enhance supply-chain resiliency through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, according to a June 3 USDA news release.
“The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program are important parts of USDA's wholistic approach to invest in the future of rural communities as we transform the food system to be one that is more resilient, more equitable and fairer for both producers and consumers," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the news release. "Through these programs, combined with our ongoing efforts to support producers, invest in the middle of the supply chain and support competitive markets, we are making good on the Biden-Harris administration’s promise to strengthen food supply chains while delivering food to those who need it."
The application period for Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program closed May 20. Applications for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program is open until July 20, according to the news release.
"USDA is excited to see such strong interest in local food and regional food systems from states, territories, Tribal governments and organizations throughout the country," Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt said in the news release. "These programs leverage government procurement efforts to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy and nutritious food in underserved communities while building more and better markets, especially for underserved producers."
