The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program is a USDA program that aims to support socially disadvantaged farmers and producers in delivering food to underserved communities. “Getting fresh, local produce into the hands of those who need it most is what the Local Food Purchase Assistance program is all about,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “This initiative not only ensures that our underserved communities have access to healthy, Texas-grown food, but it also supports our hardworking farmers by providing a market for produce that might otherwise go to waste. By connecting our farmers directly with food banks, we’re strengthening the bond between Texas producers and their communities, fostering long-term relationships that benefit everyone involved.”
The LFPA program launched in December 2021 as one of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) initiatives to transform the food system and build resilient regional supply chains. In Texas, the LFPA program is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
“It has been a pleasure working with TDA on this program and witnessing its impact on local farmers and ranchers in our communities,” Cole said. “The LFPA program creates economic opportunities for producers, scales regional supply chains, and delivers healthy food to those in need — its value is clear. We call on Congress to allocate the funding necessary to sustain and grow this critical investment in strengthening our local food systems.”
With funding set to run out in May 2025, the future of the LFPA program remains uncertain. We call on Congress to allocate the funding necessary to sustain and grow this critical investment in strengthening our local food systems. If you are a Texas farmer or rancher who would like to participate in the LFPA program, fill out this form