Local Food For Schools (LFS)
The Iowa Local Food for Schools Program will increase access to local food in K-12 schools and improve 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 will help 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 will allow 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 will help build and expand economic opportunity for local and socially disadvantaged producers. Through this program, producers will be able to sell to K-12 schools participating in the National School Lunch Program.
School Application
If you are a K-12 school district (public or private) and participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, you are eligible to apply for an award. Fill out the School Application below:
Producer Registration
If you are a local producer in Iowa and are interested in getting involved, fill out the Producer Registration Form found on the Iowa LFPA website. Producers registered for Iowa LFPA are automatically registered for Iowa LFS.
Additional Information
LFS Frequently Asked Questions
LFS Sample Produce Order Guide and Winter Purchasing
Press Release Template for Schools - Award Announcement
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
Questions: Contact Teresa Wiemerslage at wiemer@iastate.edu.
