Center for Regional Food Systems

Join us for a two-part webinar series that explores ten different local food purchasing incentives across the nation. This series is coordinated by Cassandra Bull and is part of a collaborative project between the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and the National Farm to School Network. 

In recent years, there has been significant growth in support for local food purchasing incentives (LFPIs). More than a dozen states have established programs that provide direct reimbursement to child nutrition programs in schools and early care and education (ECE) settings to offset the costs of buying local foods. Additional states are in the process of introducing LFPI bills and advocating for broader adoption of these programs. Speakers will share their experiences with their respective established programs, pilot initiatives, or introduced LFPI bills. These webinars aim to provide insights into each program's history, design, impact, and more.

Featured States and Speakers:

• California: Amy Garfinkel, California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork
• Connecticut: Cyrena Thibodeau, Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Monica Pacheco, Connecticut Department of Education
• Maine: Robin Kerber, Full Plates Full Potential
• New Hampshire: Stacey Purslow, University of New Hampshire Sustainability Institute / New Hampshire Farm to School
• New York: Mikaela Perry, American Farmland Trust / Farm to Institution New York State

Register for this event on Wednesday, August 9 from 12-1pm EST.