New Jersey LFPA Plus Executive Summary

Jersey Fresh for All – LFPA Plus through the continuation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) will build a stronger, fairer, and more equitable New Jersey by providing the funds necessary to continue groundbreaking work in our state. This will be achieved by increase access to local domestic food and improve and maintain supply chain resiliency by building supplier partnerships with local and regional farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and underserved communities. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA), through subrecipient agency, the Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) will continue to implement a food purchasing programs and establish partnerships with farmers, ranchers, and other producers within the state that best suits local needs, environmental and climate conditions, and seasonal harvests. CFBNJ will coordinate with the other food banks (Food Bank of South Jersey, Fulfill, and the Southern Regional Food Distribution Center) as well as its affiliated food banks (Mercer Street Friends and Norwescap) to ensure that the agricultural products purchased through LFPA and LFPA Plus reach distribution points in all 21 counties. The Common Market (TCM) and the New Jersey Food Democracy Collaborative (NJFDC) will be key collaborators in the research, outreach, and relationship development activities already underway in Phase 1 of the program. Phase 2 will support implementation, including food procurement and distribution (directly by CFBNJ and in collaboration with TCM) as well as the development of the resources required for long-term sustainability and success.