Local Food For Schools (LFS)
The Iowa Local Food for Schools Program increased access to local food in K-12 schools and improved supply chain resiliency through partnerships with local producers , food hubs and school districts.
About Iowa LFS
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service established the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS). With funding made available through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA helped states deal with the challenges of supply chain disruptions brought on by the pandemic. The USDA awarded funding to the state of Iowa for food assistance purchases of domestic local foods for distribution to schools.
The cooperative agreements allowed states to procure local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious and unique to their geographic area and distribute to feeding programs in K-12 schools. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds helped build and expand economic opportunity for local and socially disadvantaged producers. Through this program, producers sold to K-12 schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.
The LFS program was discontinued in 2025.
Reports
LFS Progress Report: Round 1 (Full Report) Executive Summary List of Participating Schools
LFS Public Officials Report - Summary LFS Public Officials Report - All Comments
LFS Experience Survey Slidedeck (2024)
Questions: Contact Teresa Wiemerslage at wiemer@iastate.edu.
Additional Information
LFS Frequently Asked Questions
