This summary accounts for how additional estimated LFPA Plus funding would bring all Michigan grant subagencies to full funding and increase funds used for additional food purchases.
The purpose of the Michigan Department of Education’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Project is to create and expand community partnerships between existing agencies, organizations, and their local and regional disadvantaged farmers and producers. Planned activities include partnerships connecting farmers, producers, and their products to healthcare organizations, tribal organizations, regional food collectives, mobile pantry programs, fresh produce box programs, food hubs, and allowed processing facilities. Expected outcomes target increased sales and support for local and socially disadvantaged farmers and producers, and delivery of local fresh produce at increased levels through new and existing programs.
The intended beneficiaries of the planned projects are local and socially disadvantaged farmers and producers and underserved communities. The addition of fresh produce will support food program recipients through the provision of fruits and vegetables, increase community organization efforts to provide more healthy food options for participants with limited resources, and allow targeted farmers and producers to establish an expanded customer base beyond the program.
Eight submitted proposals were included in Michigan’s original LFPA grant narrative. Three proposals were fully funded in the first round of LFPA funding. The remaining five proposals were partially funded. All eight proposals will now be funded at 100% of their original proposed budgets as a result of the additional LFPA Plus funding, with any remaining funds used to increase food purchases.