The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreements Program (LFPA) goal is to increase access to local domestic food and improve and maintain supply chain resiliency by building supplier partnerships with local and regional farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, and underserved communities. To assist state and tribal governments with locating underserved producers and to help underserved producers with helpful resources, USDA is providing resources in the links below.
If you need further assistance, please email us at LFPA@USDA.gov
Resources for States and Tribal Governments to locate food vendors
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Vendors Awarded Contracts for the TEFAP Mixed Produce Box List (pdf) - These companies are approved to bid in USDA’s Fresh Produce Program to supply fresh produce to USDA.
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Previous Farmers to Food Box Program Vendors - These companies were awarded contracts for USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box.
Resources to connect Underserved Producers with states and tribal governments
- Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (The 2501 Program) - The 2501 Program was created through the 1990 Farm Bill to help underserved producers, who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the program’s reach to veterans. Grants are awarded to higher education institutions and nonprofit and community-based organizations to extend USDA’s engagement efforts in these communities. Projects funded under the 2501 Program include, but are not limited to, conferences, workshops, and demonstrations on various farming techniques, and connecting underserved farmers and ranchers to USDA local officials to increase awareness of USDA’s programs and services while filling the needs for increased partnerships. Since 2010, the 2501 program has awarded 563 grants totaling more than $158 million.
- Connecting with Organizations that Provide Outreach and Assistance to Underserved Producers (The 2501 Program)
- State Outreach Coordinators - The USDA Farm Service Agency has strengthened its outreach commitment by assigning Outreach Coordinators in all 51 states/territory offices and each of our 2,124 county offices nationwide. These Outreach Coordinators serve as primary points of contact for FSA's outreach initiatives and activities. Contact your state coordinator to learn of FSA programs to grow your operation and any program educational events scheduled in your area.
- Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) - The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (aka the 2018 Farm Bill) reauthorized the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and provides mandatory funds for which supports education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers.
- Download the LFPA Infographic (pdf)