South Dakota LFPA Plus Executive Summary

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) will partner with Feeding South Dakota and other local and regional food system stakeholders to procure and deliver locally grown foods from local producers to underserved communities statewide. This project will connect South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers, including disadvantaged producers, to more opportunities to deliver their products to local markets through South Dakota’s extensive network of food assistance partners. Underserved communities across South Dakota deserve reliable access to locally produced food, including fresh produce from South Dakota farmers, and this project will strengthen that supply chain so South Dakotans can obtain the sufficient and nutritional food they need to thrive. Furthermore, connecting local producers and underserved communities through an emphasis on locally grown food procurement reduces transportation requirements and lowers the carbon footprint associated with food assistance sourcing and distribution.