New USDA Grant Helps Feed Hungry North Dakotans and Supports Ag Producers
In partnership with: North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Underserved communities will have new access to locally sourced, fresh and nutritious food thanks to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service (USDA AMS) under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA).
Announced in late 2022, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture will partner with the Great Plains Food Bank to purchase locally grown, produced and processed food from underserved producers and distribute it to those in need.
“The LFPA grant program comes at a crucial time and is a win-win for North Dakota farmers, ranchers, producers and our food-insecure neighbors,” says Melissa Sobolik, CEO of the Great Plains Food Bank.
Serving more than 126,000 North Dakotans, the Great Plains Food Bank is the state’s only food bank. With inflation impacting the cost of food, many in North Dakota are forced to choose between paying for food or other basic needs.
“Funds from the LFPA program mean people can eat a well-balanced meal tonight,” Sobolik says.
The LFPA enhances food and agriculture supply chain resiliency in the state by supporting socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and producers and providing the food they generate to underserved communities in North Dakota. Authorized by the American Rescue Plan, the USDA has awarded funding through noncompetitive cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments.
To date, 48 states, three territories and 19 tribal governments have entered into cooperative agreements with the USDA AMS for local LFPA programs.
“The LFPA grant program is a great opportunity to connect the Great Plains Food Bank with nearby producers and procure local food based on their needs,” says Doug Goehring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner. “In addition to providing food for underserved communities, the program will help create and expand economic opportunities for local and socially disadvantaged producers.”
The LFPA is bringing agriculture needs in North Dakota full circle.
“As an organization that typically relies on and asks for food donations, it’s incredible to be able to invest in our farmers, ranchers and producers,” Sobolik says. “For decades they have supported us, and we can now return the support when it’s needed most.”
See more: North Dakota CARES – and it Shows
How to Get Involved
Farmers, ranchers and producers interested in participating in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program can reach out to Stephanie Erickson at the Great Plains Food Bank at (701) 232-6219. Interested producers can complete a form to show interest at forms.office.com/g/wZTuy84d5N.
Interested producers can also sign up on the Local Foods Map at ndda.nd.gov to match up with local schools and organizations.