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How the Designs of Local Food Purchasing Incentives Affect Spending on Local Food
By Cassandra Bull, NFSN Policy Specialist
Local Food Purchasing Incentives (LFPIs) are programs that provide additional funding to child nutrition program (CNP) operators to directly offset or incentivize local food purchases (Bull & Matts, 2024). Typically funded and operated at the state level, these programs intend to increase the purchasing of local foods in school and early care and education (ECE) settings. LFPIs have become much more prevalent from 2018-2022, and by August 2023, at least 16 states and Washington, D.C. have implemented LFPIs.
Program designs for LFPIs vary greatly and can support education, nutritional quality, equity, and environmental sustainability. For some stakeholders, the economic impact of LFPIs is a top priority.
This resource combines both a theoretical and evidence-based approach to answer the question:
"How do different LFPI models affect participant spending on local food?"
The results provided in this resource may support advocates and state policymakers in developing or reimagining their local food purchasing incentives to better align with policy goals.
