The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has established the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). LFPA is part of the “Build Back Better” initiative, authorized by the American Rescue Plan. LFPA’s purpose is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency to support local, regional, and socially disadvantaged farmers and producers through the purchase of locally grown fresh foods, food products, and beverages. As a participant in the LFPA program, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) intends for the funds to be used to purchase food and beverages which have been locally produced by Tennessee’s disadvantaged farmers to the extent their supply meets the demand. TDA will partner with the five regional food bank members of Tennessee Feeding America Food Banks. These five regional food banks will procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious, and unique to Tennessee’s geographical regions. These locally grown foods and beverages will meet the needs of Tennessee’s food insecure population in the state’s underserved communities. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds will help build and expand economic opportunities for Tennessee’s disadvantaged farmers and producers.