Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program
Program Objective
1. Provide an opportunity for States to strengthen their local and regional food system.
2. Help to support local and small farmers/producers through building and expanding economic opportunities.
3. Establish and broaden partnerships with farmers/producers and schools to ensure distribution of fresh and nutritious foods.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
Eligible entities include the State agencies, commissions, or departments that are responsible for agriculture, procurement, food distribution, emergency response, administration of the National School Lunch Program, or similar activities within the State. AMS will make only one award per State or territory; agencies within the State must coordinate if more than one agency wishes to implement this program.
Beneficiaries
- Young Child (4–9)
- Pre-Teen (10–12)
- Teen (13–19)
State governments purchase domestic food from local and regional producers, and distribute these food to schools.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Program is no longer accepting applications.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will establish non-competitive cooperative agreements with state government agencies involved in food procurement or administering the National School Lunch Program for the purpose of supporting local producers, small business, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers. State governments will purchase domestic food from local and regional producers, target purchases from small and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers, and distribute the food to schools. These cooperative agreements will allow for states to procure local, domestic foods that are unique to their geographic area and meet the needs of their schools. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds are expected to help build and expand economic opportunity for small business, and local and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers.
Mission Categories
Primary: Marketing Opportunities
Other categories:
Food and Nutrition for Children
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The expectation of this program is for recipients to spend awarded funds on food purchases, including distribution costs. Applicants may not request direct or indirect costs associated with developing and administering the program. State governments will purchase domestic food from local and regional producers, target purchases from small business, and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers, and distribute the food to schools. Funds used for food purchases must be used exclusively for domestic food products (also known as commodities) that are unprocessed or minimally processed. Funds may be used to cover the costs of production, storage and distribution of agricultural products to schools. Funds awarded through this RFA must increase, expand, or replace, and not duplicate, existing activities of the host initiatives.
Required Documentation
Required and conditionally required documents for an application package.
LFS requires that all application packages include the following:
SF-424 – Application for Federal Assistance (in Grants.gov)
Project Narrative Form
o Ensure the required template is used
o Ensure the executive summary is no more than 250 words
o Ensure the Project Narrative does not exceed the page limit
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements