Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program funds projects that buy and distribute Connecticut-grown food to underserved communities, advancing local agriculture and food access.
Funder: Connecticut Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: April 15, 2026 (Earliest eligible project start) | June 30, 2027 (Latest project end)
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$310,000 per award (14-month period); $1,550,000 total pool; no match required.
Summary: Supports organizations to purchase, aggregate, and distribute Connecticut Grown food to underserved communities, strengthening the local food supply chain.
Key Information: Applicants must be based in Connecticut and 90%+ of funds must go to direct food purchases.
Description
This statewide program, administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, aims to improve access to Connecticut-grown food for underserved communities while enhancing the resilience of the state’s agricultural supply chain. Through competitive grants, the program funds projects that purchase, aggregate, and distribute locally grown farm products, ensuring nutritious, culturally appropriate food reaches those in need at no cost to recipients. Emphasis is placed on sourcing from multiple local producers, especially small and socially disadvantaged farms, and fostering partnerships across the food system.
