Local Food Systems
Supporting strong local food systems is critical to reduce hunger in Texas because it directly connects communities with their food sources, making fresh, nutritious food more accessible to everyone. When food is grown, processed, and distributed locally, it cuts down on transportation costs and logistical challenges, ensuring that food remains available and affordable for Texas residents.
In a state as large and diverse as Texas, with urban centers and rural areas facing distinct challenges, local food systems can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each community. This local focus ensures that food reaches those who need it most, reducing the likelihood of shortages and enhancing food security for all Texans.
Strong local food systems empower local communities, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity. When consumers buy food directly from local farmers, more money stays in the community, supporting local businesses and generating economic growth. These economic benefits can help reduce poverty, one of the main causes of food insecurity. Additionally, local food systems often emphasize sustainable agricultural practices, which can lead to healthier, more productive land and long-term food security. By investing in local agriculture, Texas can build a food system that is not only more secure but also more sustainable.
Feeding Texas works to support local food systems through the following programs.
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA)
The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, or LFPA, is a USDA program that aims to support local farmers and producers in delivering food to food insecure communities. The program launched in December 2021 as one of USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) initiatives to transform the food system and build resilient regional supply chains. In Texas, the LFPA program is administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA).
The program has allowed Texas food banks to purchase products they would not normally be able to afford and has expanded economic opportunities for local farmers and producers in regions across the state. LFPA creates economic opportunities for producers, scales regional supply chains, and delivers nutritious food to those in need. By connecting farmers directly with food banks, we’re strengthening the bond between Texas producers and their communities, fostering long-term relationships that benefit everyone involved.
Our new video highlights three partnerships between food banks and the local producers they are able to work with through the LFPA program.
The Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center
The Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center is one of 12 Regional Food Business Centers nationwide funded by the USDA and launched in July 2023. The 12 Regional Business Centers (RFBCs) support all 50 U.S. States and territories, with a specific focus on historically underinvested communities. RFBCs serve as regional hubs, providing localized assistance to address the needs of small and mid-sized food and farm business in three key areas: Coordination, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building. Through tailored support to food and farm businesses, RFBCs aim to fortify regional food systems and increase economic opportunity throughout the region.
The Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center’s service area will encompass Texas and New Mexico, with focused support to counties that are home to Colonia communities in both states. Colonias are unincorporated areas within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border lacking modern local municipality services and technology.
The Center is led by Texas A&M AgriLife and is headquartered at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in El Paso. This 5-year project is a cooperative agreement with the USDA and several Key Partner and Collaborator agencies. Key Partners on the project include Feeding Texas, as well as: La Semilla Food Center, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement, UTHealth Houston Center for Community Health Impact, and People Fund. Collaborators on the project include: Desert Spoon Food Hub, The University of Texas at El Paso and Border City Distribution.
For more information on the Rio Grande Colonias Center visit: https://rgcolonias.org/
Get Involved
Learn more about how you can get involved in ending hunger in Texas.
