Edited release
05/12/23
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has received an additional $2.9 million for utilization in the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, and has been extended through May 2025.
The statewide program launched in June of 2022 to facilitate the purchase and distribution of Iowa grown and produced food for use by underserved communities.
According to a release from the State, the program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture. Iowa originally received approximately $2.7 million, and the extension adds an additional $2.9 million, bringing the total to over $5.6 million in program funding.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig says the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program establishes the foundation for longer term partnerships that will create new markets for farmers, increase access to nutritious food and help our community members who are food insecure.
ILFPA is expected to benefit at least 300 Iowa farmers. With a reach of 2,000 food distribution sites through partnerships with 16 distributors, including food hubs, food banks, and the Meskwaki Nation, the decentralized emphasis allows local specialists to meet the community’s needs through the implementation plans they design for their area.
More information is available at www.iowalfpa.org