USDA & Washington Announce Plans To Purchase Food From Underserved Producers

USDA and the state of Washington have announced a cooperative agreement to purchase local foods.  Under the agreement signed with AMS, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will purchase and distributed locally grown and/or processed food from underserved producers.  The cooperative agreement is part of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

“USDA is excited to partner with Washington State to promote economic opportunities for farmers and producers and to increase access to locally sourced, fresh, healthy and nutritious food in underserved communities,” noted USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement Program will improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency, and increase local food consumption around the country.”

Through the program, the state will spend over $3 million to purchase food directly from local and regional farmers and producers.  At least 63% of the food will come from underserved producers and, of the 500 anticipated food distribution sites, 90% or more will serve underserved communities.  About 25% of the funding will be set aside for tribes and tribal organizations.

The program is authorized by the American Rescue Plan to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. Through this program, USDA will award up to $400 million through noncompetitive cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments to support local, regional and underserved producers through the purchase of food produced within the state or within 400 miles of delivery destination.

Visit the AMS' Website to learn more about Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

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