2023 MN Local Food Purchase Assistance Program open for applications

Annalisa Hultberg, Extension Educator, food safety

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the MN Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program. Approximately $2.125 million is available to fund projects that buy local food primarily from socially disadvantaged and emerging farmers, and distribute that food to underserved communities throughout the state. This is a new grant program. Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. Central Time on May 30, 2023.

For potential applicants

• Please review the 2023 MN Local Food Purchase Assistance Program Request for Applications before applying. This document includes key information about program eligibility, requirements, and priorities. Applications are preferred to be submitted online; the application is linked to on the MN LFPA website. If you have not previously applied for a grant using the MDA’s online grant management software you will need to create an account. Instructions are also linked to on the website.

 

• Interested parties can attend one of two virtual information sessions to learn more about the MN LFPA Program and Request for Applications. The sessions will be held at the following times. Interpretation is available by request.  
• April 18, 2023, from 5 - 6 p.m. Register for this event.
• April 19, 2023, from 12 - 1 p.m. Register for this event. 

 

What does this mean for farmers?

Farmers are eligible to apply as a lead applicant or work with others as a partner to develop and manage a project. Farmers are also eligible to supply food to applicants and their partners. One way for farmers to find potential project partners or advertise their interest in supplying food is by filling out an online directory form. The responses to that directory are publicly viewable and so far include contact information for farmers looking for other folks to partner with on project management, farmers interested in supplying product, people who can offer admin/management support, and potential buyers/distribution sites.

Questions?

The program can take questions about the program through 11:59 p.m. Central Time on May 23, 2023 and can be reached at LFPAgrant.MDA@state.mn.us or 651-201-6290.