Notice of Funding Issued
States, territories, and federally recognized Tribal governments who were previously awarded a Local Food for Schools agreement must submit their LFSCC Project Summary to MRP.AMS.LFS@usda.gov by April 30, 2025. All other new applicants (state, territory, or federally recognized Tribal governments only) must apply through Grants.gov. For more information, view the press release.
Through the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), USDA will award funds to states for food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools and child care institutions. This program will strengthen the food system for schools and childcare institutions by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain, and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved producers and processors.
All AMS grant and cooperative agreements include the AMS General Terms and Conditions as part of the Notice of Award and Grant Agreement. More information is provided in the most recent version of the AMS General Terms and Conditions (pdf) under the Administrative and National Policy Requirements section.
Outreach
- List of Signed Agreements for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program
- State Agency Provided Contacts - These contacts were provided by state agencies as a resource for more information about LFS opportunities at the state level.
- LFS AMS-USDA Contacts
Resources
- NASDA GroupGAP Toolkit – Many growers and handlers demonstrate a commitment to food safety through third-party audits known as a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification. The toolkit helps producers understand GAP certification and how it can benefit their farm, and shows the steps to achieving certification and how to find help.
- LFS Guidance on Payment Options
- Frequently Asked Questions - updated 6/26/2024
- Sign up for Gov Delivery updates
Awards
View Award Chart for LFPA and LFS
LFS FY25
- USDA Invests $1.7 Billion to Support Farmers, Deliver Nutrition Assistance, and Bolster Rural Economies
- LFS Notice of Funding Opportunity (pdf)
- LFS Project Summary Template (docx)
- LFS Reporting Template (docx)
LFS FY22
- LFS March 2022 Webinar Recording
- LFS March 2022 Webinar Presentation Slides (pdf)
- LFS Request for Application (pdf) - updated 7/18/2022
- LFS Project Narrative (pdf)
- USDA Now Accepting Applications for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program, Providing Up To $200 Million to Purchase Local Food for Schools
- USDA Distributes $1.5 Billion to Strengthen School Meal Program
For questions, email MRP.AMS.LFS@usda.gov
Note that LFS FY22 awards are for schools and LFS FY24 awards are for schools and child care centers.