The application period for the Minnesota Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program is closed. Details on this page apply to the Request for Proposals issued in spring 2024.
LFPA funds projects that:
- Buy local food, primarily from socially disadvantaged farmers
- Distribute food at no cost to underserved communities throughout the state
Applicant Eligibility
Individuals (including farmers), non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, tribal nations, government entities, agricultural cooperatives, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and representatives of a community collaboration are eligible to apply.
Applicants are required to engage with others in the planning of their project. Those in search of others to work with could advertise their interest via an online directory form open during the application period, and find potential contacts by viewing the public responses.
Project Eligibility
We anticipate that applications will propose a wide range of models for local food procurement and distribution. Requirements include:
- Sourcing at least 70% of food from within the geographic boundaries of Minnesota
- Sourcing at least 70% of food from socially disadvantaged and emerging farmers
- Distributing food to communities, at least 75% of which must be underserved, at no cost
Amount Available
Approximately $3.1 million is available. The maximum award is $125,000 and the minimum is $20,000.
Informational Sessions
Two virtual information sessions were held regarding the MN LFPA Request for Proposals. The presentation during both sessions was the same. View the slides (PDF), the recording of the first session, or the second session. Questions asked have been added to the list of grant Questions and Answers.
Applying
Applications were due by Monday, May 20, 2024. The MN Local Food Purchase Assistance Program 2024 Request for Proposals (PDF) has complete information about eligibility, requirements, and priorities.
Contact us if you need this information in an alternative format.
Funding for the MN LFPA program was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.
