Local Food for Schools

What is Local Food for Schools?

The Local Food for Schools (LFS)  is funding for states to assist in the supply chain disruption brought on by the pandemic. The Nebraska Department of Education received nearly $1.5 million through the LFS program to distribute to eligible schools, explicitly to be used on the purchase of local foods for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). LFS will strengthen Nebraska’s food system by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain, and expand local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved producers and processors.

When will funds be made available?

The NDE will communicate in April 2023 with all eligible schools, confirming the amount of funds available to eligible schools for participation in the LFS program during school year 2023-2024. All eligible districts will need to confirm via a short survey their intent to participate in the program and utilize the available funds. Additional funds will be made available to eligible schools for use during the first half of the 2024-2024 school year.

Which schools will be eligible to receive funding?

Schools must participate in the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and be in good standing. Additionally, must be located in the four eastern Nebraska Economic Development Districts.

Provide an opportunity for States to strengthen their local and regional food systems.

Help to support local and socially disadvantaged farmers/producers and small business through building and expanding economic opportunities.

Establish, strengthen, and broaden partnerships with farmers/producers and schools to ensure distribution of fresh and nutritious foods.