Local Food for Schools

The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) is announcing the final round of funding through the Local Food for Schools (LFS) program. This initiative is designed to help schools strengthen their local food purchasing efforts and respond to supply chain disruptions. To qualify for funding, School Food Authorities (SFAs) must operate under the National School Lunch Program and be in good standing. SFAs interested in receiving funds must complete a short survey. The deadline to submit a completed survey is 11:59 PM on May 16, 2025. Complete the opt-in survey here.

Funding amounts will be based on student enrollment at each site and will be communicated once final allocations are confirmed. This is the last opportunity to access LFS funds, which must be used between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

Funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis only and must be tied to completed and approved purchases. For this round, reimbursement requests must be submitted quarterly, with the first deadline on September 10, 2025, and the final deadline on December 10, 2025. Eligible expenses include only unprocessed or minimally processed local food items. Funds cannot be used for prepared or heavily processed foods, labor, supplies, or administrative costs.

Stay tuned for upcoming training opportunities for those interested in joining the LFS program. These sessions will support schools in navigating local procurement challenges, meeting reporting requirements, and provide a space to ask questions and share ideas.

This map shows Nebraska LFS participants, including: (1) schools with funds available to spend in SY24-25, and (2) vendors who have sold allowable local products to schools since August 2023. If you are a producer and would like to sell products to eligible schools and/or be added to this map, please complete the producer interest form below or email NDE.LFS@nebraska.gov.