This initiative provides direct technical support to local communities to help boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses; improve access to healthy local foods; and create walkable, healthy, and economically vibrant neighborhoods. The effort is part of the White House Rural Council’s “Rural Impact” effort to improve quality of life and upward mobility for kids and families in rural and tribal communities. Through the program a team of agricultural, transportation, public health, environmental, and regional economic experts work directly with local communities to spur local economic growth and improve the quality of life for all residents.
Representatives of communities (including neighborhoods or main street districts) anywhere in the United States are eligible to apply. Applications are encouraged from communities that are economically challenged and in the early phases of their efforts to promote local foods and community revitalization. Special consideration will be given to communities in federally designated Promise Zones or USDA StrikeForce counties.
Local Foods, Local Places is a partnership between USDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Transportation (DoT), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Together, these agencies are investing $800,000 to support this round of assistance.