[Heidi Coe]

Good morning CoP members. In light of the freeze on LFPA funds, we are shifting our meeting agenda a bit so that we can spend more time in discussion about how we move forward under the current administration. Members of the Feeding America Government Relations team will be in space with us and provide their insights. Bring your thoughts, concerns, questions, and ideas and lets support each other in this work.

[Meredith Lorencz]

New Mexico LFPA here– we are unaware of any funding freeze for LFPA. I understand there is upheaval at the federal level in many different areas, but we have not received official communication from the USDA about any of that directly impacting LFPA in New Mexico. We received reimbursement the week of the funding freeze.

Are others having different experiences and/or have official communication from USDA?

[Heidi Coe]

Hi Meredith. There is definitely not a lot of clarity right now! I’d love to hear from others as well. Here’s what I’ve heard so far: the USDA has put a hold on spending through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), including the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). In Minnesota, funds are allocated through the MN Dept of Ag and in a recent meeting they told us the following.

MDA is currently unable to submit for payments through
Federal systems specific to LFPA

As a result of this, MDA is holding reimbursement
payments to LFPA grantees

They’ve also heard that “CCC is frozen for new
obligations” – but are unsure exactly what that means, whether that
is just any “new” invoice or would be new programs, new funding
rounds, etc.

They are advising a “pause” in this work where possible

[Sara Cross]

Meredith – thank you for sharing that and that is good to hear that you received your reimbursement. This is something that our cohort discusses since there is such a difference from state to state and hearing how people are either navigating receiving funding or not (and still doing amazing work). Your story is a part of the larger narrative and gaining that clarity hopefully will help collective advocacy around the future of this funding. In my state of Oregon – I am still gaining clarity on our situation.

[Bonnie Murphy]

Hi Heidi and Sara and Meredith!

Bonnie here, also from New Mexico LFPA. Meredith and I work closely together! Wondering if there anything to dissect with regards to differences in LFPA and LFPA+, and LFPA25. Looking forward to the discussions here, in a new thread as necessary, and otherwise hearing all about it on the next COP call with Farm to Food Assistance.

[Heidi Coe]

Hi Bonnie! Such good questions. I don’t have the answers, but I’m hoping we might all learn more on the call tomorrow. Although if anyone else on this thread knows more, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[Hannah Quigley]

Hi everyone! I’m so sorry I cannot join the call tomorrow on the 12th. I’d love the chance to chat through this with you more.

I am providing an update on what my current understanding is, recognizing that a lot of this is not publicly available and the information that is being shared publicly doesn’t actually answer any questions! So frustrating.

The existing pause on reimbursements and invoice processing from USDA for LFPA/LFPA+ funds is a part of the larger freeze that is happening due to executive orders requiring the review of programs and terminating any programs that are related to DEI or climate. They are paused for review, but that does not mean that it is being flagged in the system as being connected to either of those. Their pause has also been determined as illegal according to court rulings but the pause is still occurring.

USDA temporary leadership is sharing messaging around waiting for Brooke Rollins to be confirmed as the Secretary in order to fully review all programs. As a result, this has made many USDA staff hesitant to resume processing of payments.

As far as LFPA25 – I don’t have any updates here or indication that it has been identified as a place to cut. NSAC members will be on the Hill tomorrow so I hope to learn more from their meetings.

[Heidi Coe]

Hey all,

Someone asked if this meeting is only for BIPOC farmers and now I see how the name is misleading, and I really appreciate that question. These monthly calls are open for anyone to attend, and the focus is on co-creating local food systems that strengthen our communities and are just and supportive for all farmers and everyone else along the supply chain. I hope this brings some clarity. Best, Heidi

[Heidi Coe]

Hannah, thank you so much for this update, and for all the work that you do!!!