AM22LFPA0000C041

The purpose of this agreement is to purchase and distribute local food targeting purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will purchase local foods from socially disadvantaged and local producers from across the commonwealth and distribute it to underserved populations using a network of existing partnerships along with some newer concepts.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will administer the Livestock Food and Purchase Assistance Program funds through three main projects: 1) a partnership with the Feeding Kentucky Network of Food Banks to purchase and distribute food, 2) expansion of frozen meal preparation programs at non-profit organizations, and 3) contracting with a 3rd-party provider to aggregate food from many producers into boxes that will be distributed through a variety of methods, including optional direct delivery to recipient homes. These boxes may include some partially prepared or processed items to make meal preparation easier for recipients.

The program will purchase food from local Kentucky producers at fair market prices and will establish and strengthen market channels for our producers. A primary goal is that these partnerships will develop into sustainable, long-term commercial relationships for local producers. Quarterly performance reports will be submitted to capture the number of producers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, distribution sites, and underserved locations as well as funds expended for each category. Annual reports will provide percentages of new marketing opportunities and purchases distributed beyond current food distribution networks.

Create new producer market pathways and strengthen existing links between socially disadvantaged producers and underserved populations. Purchases must be from local Kentucky producers, and small and/or socially disadvantaged producers must be prioritized. Improve and expand existing distribution channels to underserved and food insecure populations across the commonwealth by linking socially disadvantaged producers to distributors, processors, and food banks. Improve knowledge sharing and collaboration between state agencies, partner organizations, universities, and advocacy groups.

Assess the impact of offering partially and/or fully prepared products on recipient participation. Producers will benefit from increased funding to sub-awardees through several avenues. We estimate that an additional 50-75 producers will be added to existing networks, but a more accurate number will not be determined until we have finalized the sub-awardees. Beneficiaries of the program include populations served by Kentucky's strong network of food banks and pantries, community centers, faith organizations, and non-profit relief organizations.

The recipient plans to subaward funds to the University of Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky State University's Small Farm Program, the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Feeding Kentucky Network of Food Banks.

Kentucky Department Of Agriculture

10.182 - Food Bank Network

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) [USDA]

Kentucky United States

State-Wide

Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (USDA-AMS-10182-LFPA0000-22-0001)