Food Systems

Truck refrigerator food loading freezing goods storage transporting warehouse ready made foods eat import export logistics system concept work business cargo check cold

Featured Resources

NASDA Food Security Toolkit

Strengthening U.S. Regional Food Systems, Supply Chains and Nutrition Security

NASDA advocates for policies and programs that fortify U.S. food systems, enhance supply chain resilience and improve nutrition security through reliable access to nutritious food. Strengthening the connectivity within supply chains not only creates new market opportunities for small, medium-sized and beginning farmers but also bolsters rural economies and improves access to nutrient-dense foods. NASDA supports science-based policies and food safety standards, urging policymakers to uphold evidence-based dietary recommendations that promote safe, healthy food for all.

Strengthening U.S. Regional Food Systems, Supply Chains and Nutrition Security

Committee of Jurisdiction: Food Regulation Committee

Chair:
Secretary Karen Ross, California

Vice Chair:
Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, Connecticut

NASDA Staff Contact:
Becky Garrison Warfel

Jurisdiction:
Matters within the jurisdiction of the Food Systems and Nutrition shall include food safety, food labeling, nutrition, food waste, food access/security and food supply chain issues.

Featured Resources

2025 Food Systems One-Pager

NASDA Food Security Toolkit

State departments of agriculture are bolstering local food systems

Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries

Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate champions efforts to connect locally grown food to schools and communities in need. Through strong partnerships and innovative programs, Alabama sees real impacts like schools serving fresh produce directly from nearby farms and food banks offering healthier, locally sourced options. A key driver of this success is Alabama’s state incentive program, which rewards schools for purchasing Alabama-grown products.

The program allows school budgets to increase while also providing economic support to Alabama’s farmers. Additionally, the agency’s participation in USDA’s Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchasing Assistance allowed purchasing directly from Alabama farmers to distribute those products to schools and other end users, which creates a stronger, more resilient local food system. These initiatives not only strengthen the state’s economy but ensure fresher, more nutritious food to reach our communities.

Several of Alabama’s farmers who participated in Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchasing Assistance programs submitted proposals and were awarded funds through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant. One farmer utilized Local Food Purchasing Assistance funds to drill wells and install drip irrigation providing an increased and consistent production. He expanded on that improvement through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, developing a project that includes an aggregation, processing and storage facility for fresh produce from his farm and 12 neighboring farms. The value-added produce is primarily sold to schools and independent grocers, providing a prime example of how investing in local farms can help strengthen regional food supply chains.

Thanks to strong partnerships and hardworking farmers, these programs generated over $17.7 million in direct support for Alabama agriculture.

Iowa Department of Agriculture

Choose Iowa is the state’s signature branding and marketing program to identify and promote Iowa grown, made, and raised food and beverages and other agriculture products. The Choose Iowa program connects Iowans with local farmers, farmers markets, farm stores and agritourism opportunities, and encourages consumers to buy local.

The Choose Iowa program launched in 2023 and now has nearly 300 members representing 87 of Iowa’s 99 counties. These participating members have found value in networking with other Choose Iowa members. In many cases, Choose Iowa members have teamed up to cross-promote or source food, beverages and ingredients from other members, helping both businesses tap into new markets and strengthening the local food system. The program has helped connect consumers, school food programs and food banks to producers in their communities, empowering these stakeholders to source more Iowa grown, made and raised products.

Chef Suman Collaboration
Cortum Farm and Co Collaboration

Chef Suman Collaboration

Chef Suman with HoQ Restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa, has been tied to the Choose Iowa program through both the membership program and the grants program. Chef Suman is fastidious about using local Iowa ingredients. Everything served at his restaurant (besides salt, pepper, olive oil and citrus) comes from Iowa farms and farmers. Many of these farms are also Choose Iowa members. For example, Choose Iowa was able to introduce Chef Suman to Mike Sexton with Sexton Sheep and allow Chef to source all lamb sold at his restaurant locally. Since Chef Suman joined the Choose Iowa program he has successfully opened a second restaurant location (Flora), continued his spot as a popular food vendor at RAGBRAI and for the first time opened a food stand at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. His HoQ Lamb Wrap, featuring lamb from Sexton Sheep and naan bread made with flour from Early Morning Harvest, was a semi-finalist in the 2025 ISF’s Best New Food competition. Chef Suman was awarded a Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant to expand his hot sauce business to better utilize ingredients from Iowa.

Cortum Farm and Co Collaboration

“This is truly ALL because of Choose Iowa… We wouldn’t have had the space to host the group, and we wouldn’t have met Brandon and Anthony at the state fair if it wasn’t for Choose Iowa. We are ALL-IN on Choose Iowa and so thankful for the opportunities.” – Cortum Farm and Co, October 2, 2024

When Mekenze first set her sights on this farm, it wasn’t just about the land. It was about the possibility of something bigger—a vision of connecting with the community, raising her family, showcasing the fruits of their labor, and celebrating the heart of Iowa agriculture. As she put it, “I had a dream for this farm to be a place where neighbors could come together.” But like so many dreams, it needed a push to become a reality.

That push came when Mekenze came across the Choose Iowa Value-Added Grant. “When I found out this was exactly the kind of support I needed—resources for turning raw agriculture products into something more marketable—I knew it was time to take a leap,” she said. She filled out the application, shared her vision, and waited anxiously.

When the approval came through, she was over the moon. The grant provided funding to restore and revamp their century-old barn, transforming it into an inviting, functional space that could house a retail area for her farm and other local farms. “We turned the idea of a historical barn into a community hub,” Mekenze explained. Her farm became not just a producer of food, but a place where people could connect with local agriculture. She invited surrounding Choose Iowa farmers to join, giving them a space to sell their goods, share stories, and become part of a larger conversation about Iowa agriculture.

But the push didn’t stop there. It was at the Iowa State Fair that Mekenze had the privilege of meeting Chef Anthony Nace. His cooking demonstration during the Choose Iowa Kitchen presentation featured pumpkins from her farm. “It was one of those moments where everything seemed to click into place,” she recalled. Chef Nace was passionate about locally sourced ingredients and creating dishes that told a story—her story.

From there, Mekenze invited Chef Nace to visit her farm and meet the other Choose Iowa farms. “I wanted him to see the people behind the products and to understand the heart of what we were doing.” He came, and from that point on, their relationship blossomed. Now, every week, on her way to work, Mekenze stops at his kitchen in Des Moines, dropping off produce from her farm and other Choose Iowa member farms around her. Chef Nace now exclusively sources some of his ingredients from Mekenze’s farm, turning their produce into dishes that showcase the best of Iowa.

Looking ahead, Mekenze is excited about what is to come. The barn is becoming a key piece of the puzzle. “We are planning to be part of the Choose Iowa Passport and Farm Open house—events that will help bring more people to our doorstep,” she said. For Mekenze, it’s all about building community and welcoming people into the world she’s worked so hard to create.

“The dream I had for this farm, this vision of a place where farmers, chefs, and neighbors could come together—is turning into a reality,” Mekenze said with a smile. It’s not just about selling products anymore. “It’s about creating a story, a narrative that’s bigger than any one of us.

With each delivery to Chef Nace’s kitchen, every conversation with a local farmer, and every new visitor to her farm, Mekenze is reminded that dreams have a way of growing, just like the crops she tends to. And she’s excited to see where it takes her next.

Maryland Department of Agriculture

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is helping build a resilient local food system that supports farmers, strengthens communities and expands access to fresh, nutritious food. Keep reading to learn about their initiatives that help families purchase healthy foods, create reliable markets for Maryland-grown products, encourage state institutions to buy local and educate the next generation about agriculture.

Maryland Market Money

The Maryland Market Money program is a statewide food access initiative under the Maryland Department of Agriculture that strengthens the local food system by connecting Maryland farmers with community members experiencing food insecurity. MMM provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made with federal nutrition benefits – like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children – at local farmers markets, farm stands and Community Supported Agriculture events, effectively doubling the buying power of shoppers and supporting local producers.

In 2024, the program served over 10,900 households and directed more than $676,000 in matching funds to over 700 local producers. By increasing the buying power of shoppers, MMM helps make fresh, nutrient-dense food more accessible while driving revenue back to Maryland Farms.

Under the leadership of Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, MMM transitioned to the Maryland Department of Agriculture in July 2025, aligning with complementary programs to increase efficiency and expand its reach. The program also provides technical assistance, training and outreach support to access points, ensuring farmers and markets are equipped to serve their communities effectively.

“This transition strengthens our capacity to serve farmers, food producers and Maryland families by aligning complimentary programs under one roof. It reflects our continued investment in growing Maryland’s agricultural economy and expanding access to nutritious, locally-grown food.”

This work underscores the department’s commitment to building a resilient, equitable food system that supports both farmers and families.

Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program

The Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism Grant Program is a state initiative designed to bolster food security for vulnerable populations while simultaneously creating a reliable market for Maryland’s farmers and seafood producers in the Certified Local Farm and Fish Program. The program provides funding to food banks, charitable emergency food providers and eligible non-profits to purchase and distribute local agricultural and seafood products to those in need. This is a special non-lasping fund designed to receive an annual appropriation of at least $2,000,000, ensuring a consistent source of funding for the grant program.

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks has been a vocal supporter of the MFARM program. He highlighted the dual benefits of the initiative, stating, “It is always a win when we can utilize food in a better way for our communities. Not only can we address food insecure areas, we can also support our local farm and fish producers making this entire grant a real asset to all involved.”

Past Recipients and Impact

In March 2024, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the award of $200,000 in MFARM grants to eight non-profit organizations. These grants support a variety of projects aimed at alleviating food insecurity across the state. The recipients and their funding amounts were as follows:

Enoch Pratt Free Library ($12,000): This grant launched the “Enoch Pratt Free Library Community Refrigerators” project. The library worked with Moon Valley Farm to distribute 3,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables across two library branches: Orleans Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue, reaching approximately 1,100 Baltimore City residents. A local farm delivers 500 pounds of food weekly to these locations, where library staff and volunteers organize its distribution to the community.
The Salvation Army of Cambridge ($15,000): Funding for the “Emergency Food & Mobile Meals Program” allowed the organization to purchase fresh vegetables from Emily’s Produce and blue catfish from Tilghman’s Island seafood. These collaborations, along with our broader network of local partners, made it possible to prepare and distribute more than 4,000 meals and food pantry orders through the House of Hope Day Services Center reaching an average of 400 food-insecure households each month in Dorchester County.
Real Food for Kids ($23,000): Through its “Connecting Farms to Schools” program, this project addresses nutrition insecurity in Prince George’s County. The grant facilitated the bi-weekly purchase of mixed seasonal produce bags from Shlagel Farm which were then distributed to 75 households at three Title I schools throughout the school year and summer.
Mountain Laurel Medical Center dba Western Maryland Healthcare Corp ($35,000): Partnering with the Garrett Growers Cooperative and other local Maryland producers, Mountain Laurel Medical Center (MLMC) distributed 1,800 boxes of fresh produce across Western Maryland. This initiative served an estimated 4,121 individuals and 1,656 households through 18 distribution events in Garrett and western Allegany counties. .
The Maryland Food Bank ($50,000): The Maryland Food Bank purchased 8,694 pounds of blue catfish from Tilghman Island Seafood. The protein was distributed to food-insecure households via more than 100 food pantries across the state, providing an estimated 17,000 to 34,000 meals for Marylanders in need.
Westminster Rescue Mission ($22,000): Titled “Harvesting Hope: Nourishing Communities,” the project supplemented the food sourced by the mission with fresh, healthy options from Chesapeake Farm to Table.The number of individuals served increased 24% when Chesapeake Farm to Table provided food from 7,673 to 10,088. The organization estimates that approximately 3,842 meals were served or 4,611 pounds of food provided to those who are food insecure.
Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring ($8,000): The “Shared Vision: A More Interconnected, Resilient Community” project uses its grant to purchase food from local purveyors to prepare two fresh meals daily for its 150 clients. A key goal of this project is to map local farms, prioritizing those owned by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) and women, to build lasting partnerships.
Capital Area Food Bank ($35,000): Capital Area Food Bank purchased 9,769 pounds of blue catfish from Tilghman Island Seafood for $35,000. This provided 8,140 meals to food-insecure individuals through 25 partner food assistance organizations, at no cost.

Farmers Feeding Families

The Farmers Feeding Families Act of 2022 signed into law by Governor Wes Moore on May 8, 2023, increased the tax credit for farmers donating food to food banks to 100% for all food. The original law allowed farmers to claim credit on only 50% of the wholesale value of their donated food products (75% for organic). Wholesale values will be determined by the Maryland Department of Agriculture utilizing data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Wholesale Produce Market, which provides daily reports on wholesale pricing for produce in Maryland.

The tax credit is capped at $5,000 per year per farm. Exceptions may be made by the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture, allowing the tax credit to be increased from $5,000 per farm to $10,000 per farm. A maximum of $100,000 in tax credits are allowed. Secretary Kevin Atticks increased the cap to $10,000 per farm due to unused tax credit funds after consultation with the Comptroller’s Office.

Participation

In 2024, the Maryland Department of Agriculture issued $93,000 in tax credits to 15 farmers. This reflects credits issued for tax years 2023 and 2024 by the date of the writing of this report.

Certified Local Farm & Fish Program

The Certified Local Farm and Fish Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, encourages state agencies and public universities to purchase at least 20% of their food from certified Maryland farms and Chesapeake Invasive Species providers. This initiative, established in 2020 and expanded in 2023, aims to boost the state’s agricultural and seafood industries, promote economic growth and ensure environmentally responsible practices.

Participation for producers is voluntary and free. Certified Local Farms must have an up-to-date nutrient management plan, while Certified Chesapeake Invasive Species Providers must be licensed tidal fish dealers. These requirements protect Maryland’s waterways and help control invasive species like blue catfish. Certified producers are listed in an online directory for state procurement officers and the public. The number of certified providers has grown, with a total of 133 certified farms and Chesapeake Invasive Species Providers as of the FY24 report. In FY23, state agencies and universities spent $522,334 on products from certified providers, and these figures are expected to increase as more long-term contracts are renewed.

Environmentally, the program contributes to sustainability through mandatory nutrient management plans for farms, preventing runoff into the Chesapeake Bay. By encouraging the purchase of invasive seafood species, it aids in ecological restoration by incentivizing their removal. Additionally, localizing the food supply chain reduces transportation-related emissions.

Maryland’s Secretary of Agriculture, Kevin Atticks, has been a key proponent and leader in advancing the program. His involvement includes expanding the program to include Certified Chesapeake Invasive Species Providers, supporting legislative changes to improve efficiency, and actively promoting the program’s benefits. He also strategically linked the program with other state initiatives, such as the Leaders in Environmentally Engaged Farming and Maryland Food and Agricultural Resiliency Mechanism grant program.

Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week

Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week is a statewide annual celebration that highlights the importance of fresh, locally sourced foods in school meals. As a key component of the broader Maryland Farm to School Program, the week is dedicated to connecting students with the state’s agricultural industry, teaching them where their food comes from and promoting healthy, nutritious eating habits. The program is a collaborative effort, jointly administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland State Department of Education.

During this week, which is now in its 16th year, school districts across Maryland make a concerted effort to feature locally grown produce, meats and dairy products in their cafeteria menus. The initiative goes beyond just the lunch tray, often incorporating a variety of educational activities such as taste tests, school gardens and direct engagement with local farmers.

In his public statements, Secretary Atticks consistently emphasized the educational value of the program. “Most kids today are unaware of how their favorite cheese stick was made or where their apples come from,” he has stated. “Farm to School and Homegrown School Lunch Week are key components to teaching today’s students about Maryland’s number one industry – and helping them understand nutrition. It is critical we teach our future leaders about the importance of farming and sourcing local foods.”

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is committed to strengthening local food systems and supporting agricultural producers across the state. Through NMDA-led programs and partnerships, the department is increasing access to local food, enhancing market opportunities, and driving economic impact throughout New Mexico.

The New Mexico Department of Agriculture is strengthening local food systems by partnering with producers and community organizations across the state. NMDA recently visited LFPA partners including Agri-Cultura Network, La Semilla Food Center, The Food Depot and MoGro Mobile Grocery—furthering efforts to improve supply chain resiliency and increase access to local food for nearby communities.

Every year, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture hosts educational workshops for national grocery retailers to promote New Mexico-grown green chile—expanding market access and visibility for chile producers from across the state.

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers expand their market outlets while helping fresh, nutritious food land on consumer’s plates. Watch the video to learn more about Oklahoma’s Local Food for Schools Program.

Oklahoma News Report

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is helping bolster local food systems and programs that benefit both farmers and communities. At the links below, discover a few of the ways they are accomplishing this.

Farmers, Schools, Markets and More Come Together to Expand Food Access in Virginia

Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry, yet roughly 8% of the state’s population struggles with access to food. To ensure a plentiful food system, government agencies, nonprofits, retailers and farmers collaborate to combat food insecurity.

Read the Story

Agriculture Grants in Virginia Help Local Farmers and Allies Feed Families

The Commonwealth is at the forefront of food resiliency initiatives thanks, in part, to agriculture grants in Virginia. Comprehensive efforts in the Commonwealth – like that of 4P Foods, Radical Roots Farm and Lulus Local Food – illustrate how diverse approaches collectively support the region’s food system.

Read the Story