Local Food Purchase Assistance Program

Jason Smith, Program Coordinator
lfpa@scda.sc.gov
803-734-0106

P.O. Box 11280
Columbia, SC 29211

The Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program is a federal grant program authorized by the American Rescue Plan. The purpose of this program is to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by supporting local, socially disadvantaged producers through the purchase of South Carolina produced foods. In partnership with the Catawba Indian Nation, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture was awarded $6.1 million to purchase food from local, socially disadvantaged producers to distribute to underserved populations within our communities. In addition to increasing consumption of local, healthy, and culturally unique foods, this program will help build and expand economic opportunity for the socially disadvantaged producers of South Carolina.

Learn more about the Local Food Purchase Assistance program here.

As of January 1^st, 2024, the LFPA program will not be able to use funds to purchase value-added products that do not meet the USDA’s definition of minimally processed.

Resources

LFPA

• Producer Registration Form
• Aggregator Invoice Instructions
• Approved Aggregators List
• Partner Distributor Form — At this time, we have reached full capacity due to an increased volume of applicants.
• LFPA Program Flyer
• Daily Market Prices
• LFPA FAQs

GAP

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Information
• GAP Events & Trainings

Newsletter

Read the December 2024 LFPA newsletter here.

Want the news directly in your inbox? Email lfpa@scda.sc.gov to sign up.

LFPA Distribution Highlights

Batesburg-Leesville Elementary showcases Certified SC Grown butternut squash from Watsonia Farms along with samples of roasted butternut squash and recipe cards at their LFPA Mini Market Day. Here’s a HOO-and-a-Ray for the Batesburg-Leesville team in their commitment to serving underrepresented families in Lexington County!