The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create a program that provides federal funding to state, local, and tribal governments to purchase fresh, locally-grown food directly from farmers and ranchers in their regions. Participating entities must use at least 75 percent of their funds to buy unprocessed or minimally processed foods like produce, meat, dairy, and seafood, with a requirement that at least 25 percent of purchases come from small farms, beginning farmers, veteran farmers, or mid-size operations. The law allows up to 25 percent of funds for administrative costs and technical assistance to help farmers meet food safety standards and expand their businesses, while the purchased food gets distributed through nonprofits and other food distribution organizations to improve access to healthy food in local communities. The program is funded with $200 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026 through mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation spending, plus an additional $200 million per year authorized for appropriations through 2030. All states receive a baseline allocation, with 10 percent of funds specifically reserved for tribal governments.
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