USDA Expands Local Foods in School Meals through Cooperative Agreement with Michigan

“This cooperative agreement supporting Michigan schools is another example of how USDA is working to build a more resilient food system rooted in local and regional production,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt.  “The Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program provides an opportunity for states to strengthen ties between local farmers, ranchers, food businesses and schools, and gives students access to nutritious foods unique to the area they live in, building stronger connections across local communities.”

“Strengthening relationships between local producers and schools is a long-term strategy to ensure our children always have access to nutritious foods in school, a win-win for child health and American agriculture,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Stacy Dean. “Through this program and many other efforts to support the school meal programs, USDA is committed to giving schools the tools they need to set children up to learn, grown, and thrive.”

With the LFS funds, MDE will work with 816 School Food Authorities (SFAs) currently participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to purchase of locally grown and minimally processed fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, legumes, and grains from small and underserved farms and businesses.

“Michigan is excited and proud to partner with the USDA on the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program,” said Michigan’s State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. “This program ensures our schools have access to a greater variety of Michigan-grown foods to help address current supply chain issues. Increasing school meal program access to these quality, nutritious foods while supporting Michigan’s farmers and producers is a win for everyone, especially our students.” 

To read the press release, click here.