The State of Farm to School and ECE Local Food Purchasing Incentives

National Farm to School Network (NFSN) and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) held a briefing on the state of farm to school and Early Care and Education (ECE) local food purchasing incentives (LFPIs). These policies are reshaping school meal programs while supporting local economies, enhancing student nutrition, and strengthening communities.
This webinar provides a broad, high-level overview for advocates, policymakers, agency staff, and food system champions. Attendees will gain an understanding of how state-level LFPIs work, research-backed benefits of these policies, and the extent to which states fund these programs. Researchers will share the landscape of LFPI models, including farmer-focused strategies, ways to incorporate ECEs, and how some states are designing programs to uplift values-based purchasing. Participants will also learn how effective partnerships and efficient administration can support successful LFPIs.
The USDA has committed $660 million over the next three years for the second round of the Local Food for Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement program, marking it as the largest nationwide LFPI to date. Learn about models states used to implement the first round of LFS, how this program can and has intersected with state-level LFPIs, and design pathways for states to include ECEs in the next application round.
The webinar concluded with updates from NFSN and MSU CRFS on their plans to support LFPIs and LFS in 2025, and a 15-minute Q&A session.
Speakers:
Cassandra Bull, Policy Specialist, National Farm to School Network
Colleen Matts, Director, Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
Hawthorn McCracken, Farm to ECE Program Associate, National Farm to School Network
Gray Norton, Senior Clinical Fellow, Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic
Slide Deck Link:
www.dropbox.co...
Additional Links:
National Farm to School Network Local Food Purchasing Incentive Webpage (resources mentioned can be found here): www.farmtoscho...
Farm to ECE Local Food Purchasing Incentives Flash Talk Series
Flash Talks Part I: 3.basecamp.com...
Flash Talks Part II: 3.basecamp.com...
USDA Local Food for Schools Program website: www.ams.usda.g...
USDA LFS Email: [e-mail]
NFSN/FLPC LFS Program Matrix: bit.ly/LFS-Matrix
ECE Partner Organization Websites
Association of State Public Health Nutritionists: asphn.org/
National CACFP Sponsors Association: www.cacfp.org/
Become a National Farm to School Network Partner Organization! www.farmtoscho...
Contact [e-mail] with questions.