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Although lot of the current growing season is already planned, there are other less seasonal local food products that are eligible beyond fruits and vegetables. This is also an opportunity to think about plans for 2024 since the grant goes through September 15, 2024. The grant asks applicants to identify as a part of their budget how much they will spend in year one versus year two. If the bulk of expenses come in year two, that isn’t a problem.

Anyone is welcome to advertise the needs or services they have regarding this grant by sharing their information through an online directory form. The responses to this form are public and automatically updated. We recognize that this tool will not be an effective resource for everyone and there are reasons some people may not feel comfortable sharing this information. Potential buyers and distributors who do not have existing contacts with farmers may be able to establish connections through events or services where farmers gather, such as through farmers’ markets and/or food hubs. For those looking to connect with additional partners or collaborators, community meetings, food policy councils, local and regional governments and non-profit organizations may be places to find connections.

Farmers and others who would like to share their contact information and need assistance filling out the Google form are welcome to contact MN LFPA staff for support.

No, there is no match requirement.

Applicants can apply for up to $100,000. Applicants can also indicate as part of their application if they are interested in additional funding, up to $40,000. Additional funding is contingent on MDA securing additional LFPA Plus funding from USDA. That funding may allow for changes such as increasing the size of the awards or more awardees.

USDA has indicated that they are wanting to work toward a long-term picture. They are doing so in part by collecting success stories from participating states, tribal nations, and territories, in addition to quarterly reports. They are also asking questions about the relationships that are being established and if new food items are being provided that haven’t typically been available in the hunger relief system. However, there is not a formal long-term commitment to the program at this point.  

The metrics and data we are asking grantees for as part of their quarterly reports mirror our USDA grant reporting requirements. An example quarterly report is available in Excel. Examples of information to be collected include how many socially disadvantaged farmers are providing food, if the distribution location is underserved, and the general food categories provided. Based on public input and suggestions, the MN LFPA program will also facilitate an evaluation cohort for grantees to share feedback about their experience with the program overall.

Grantees will not be asked to collect or share the names of people receiving the food. It is a requirement of the program that data collection not create barriers to people receiving food.

Food safety training is not required MN LFPA eligibility, but food safety training and/or practices are encouraged, as evidenced by the MN LFPA scoring rubric. Food safety training is not an eligible expense for the grant, however.

If participants are interested in food safety-related training, appropriate trainings will vary depending on the foods being purchased and handled as a part of the project. Projects that are purchasing and aggregating food from multiple suppliers may be required to be licensed and may have accompanying training requirements. For example, entities that have a food handler license may be required to have someone from their operation complete certified food protection manager (CFPM) training. The Minnesota Department of Health maintains a list of approved CFPM courses. Please contact the MDA Food and Feed Safety Division’s Licensing Liaison (651-201-6081) if you are unsure whether your project needs a license.

The University of Minnesota Extension offers virtual and in-person Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) trainings for produce farmers. These optional courses focus on on-farm food safety practices, and include some information on best practices for post-harvest handling and storage. Courses are typically available in the wintertime but can also be made available by request to Annalisa Hultberg (hultb006@umn.edu). Individuals/organizations that purchase produce are also welcome to participate in GAPs trainings. Additional information for buyers on how to talk to produce farmers about their food safety practices is available on the Extension “Food safety for farm to school programs” webpage.