(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture Monday announced the establishment of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

The program will award up to $400 million for emergency food assistance purchases of domestic local foods. Utilizing American Rescue Plan funds, the purchases will help “to transform the food system and build back a better food system,” according to USDA. The awards will be made through non-competitive cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments.

The effort will place an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved farmers and ranchers. Eligible state and tribal governments can apply now until April 5, 2022, at www.grants.gov. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service also announced the availability of up to $50 million in funds provided by the American Rescue Plan. Those funds are for Emergency Food Assistance Program Reach and Resiliency Grants.

The grants intended for state agencies help expand program access in rural, tribal, and other currently underserved areas.