Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Local Foods, Local Places

Please note that we are not currently accepting any applications for the Local Foods, Local Places program. On this page, you can find general information about LFLP and previous rounds.

About the Program

1. When will the next application period for LFLP technical assistance open?

The Local Foods, Local Places program concluded its most recent call for applications in February 2024. As of now, we are not accepting any further applications for assistance.

2. How many communities were selected in the most round?

EPA and the Appalachian Regional Commission selected two applicants in the 2024 round of LFLP through an open call for applications. These communities are located in ARC counties.

Separately, the EPA Superfund program is also supporting three pilot LFLP workshops in communities with Superfund sites in 2024.

3. Does the LFLP program provide a grant to participating communities?

LFLP is not a grant program. Communities selected to receive assistance through this program will not receive funds directly from EPA or ARC. Selected communities receive access to technical experts who will work with them to form a local LFLP steering committee that plans and hosts a two-day public convening that brings together stakeholders in the community to develop an action plan for creating more vibrant downtowns and neighborhoods and improving health and environmental outcomes by promoting local foods.

We encourage participation from federal and state agencies and other potential funding partners in the workshops, so that communities can learn about how they might apply for additional resources to help them accomplish their vision, but those funds are not guaranteed. The assistance is strictly for planning purposes and cannot be used for brick and mortar projects.

4. Is there a cost to the communities selected for technical assistance?

Most communities incur little to no cost aside from staff and volunteer time devoted to planning and participating in the workshop. The program does not provide any funds directly to communities. The community is responsible for securing a venue for the workshop, although most communities are able to identify a no-cost venue. In addition, the technical assistance award does not include funds for refreshments at the workshop, so any refreshments are provided at the community's discretion and cost.

5. Can the program be combined with other programs that provide loans and/or grant money?

While we do not formally combine programs, one of the goals of this program is to ensure that other community investments are as productive as possible. Applicants with existing funding should explain how that work would be coordinated with this planning assistance or how the programs may complement each other.

Applicant Eligibility

6. Who is eligible to apply for LFLP assistance?

In 2024, applicants had to be located in, and project activities must be conducted within, counties served by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Generally, eligible applicants are local, county or Tribal governments, or nonprofit organizations that have the support of the local government on whose behalf they are applying. Local colleges, universities and extension agencies can also serve as the lead organization for the technical assistance; however, it is important to show evidence that you'll be able to bring together community stakeholders, including residents, to a public workshop.

Communities of any size are eligible. Larger cities are encouraged to focus on a specific neighborhood's retail corridor or central business district, rather than a citywide project. Applicants can submit multiple, separate applications for consideration. However, no more than one application from a single neighborhood or town will be selected for assistance.

Regional councils of governments are encouraged to learn about the program, especially in selected communities, but the assistance is directed toward a single neighborhood, town, or city. Multi-county or state-level projects are not eligible for this assistance.

7. Our community received LFLP assistance in a prior round. Can we apply again?

Any community is eligible to apply even if the community has received assistance in the past. If applicable, the application should explain how additional assistance will build on the prior work.

8. If an applicant has recently been awarded another federal grant, would that disqualify the applicant for this assistance?

No. If applicable, the application should explain how this assistance would complement the work to be completed with the help of other federal funding.

9. Can applicants also apply to other EPA technical assistance programs?

Yes, applicants can apply to more than one program. However, applicants will receive assistance from no more than one program through the Office of Community Revitalization in the same year.

10. Should the point of contact be with the organization that is applying?

Yes, the point of contact should be from the lead organization. If there is a strong partner organization, mention that in the text of the application. Optional letters of support from partner organizations can help demonstrate their commitment to participate fully in the technical assistance process.

11. Can someone other than the point of contact manage the project?

No, the point of contact listed on the application should be the person that will actually manage the project. The point of contact does not need to be the leader or a senior member of the organization as long as the person is empowered to make decisions concerning the project and would be an effective leader of a local team consisting of representatives from partner organizations.

General Technical Assistance and Workshop Information

12. How long is the technical assistance expected to last?

The exact timing of the assistance will depend on the community's preference and the facilitators' schedules. Three planning calls generally begin 7 to 10 weeks before the workshop, and three follow-up calls generally are completed 8 to 12 weeks after the LFLP community workshop.

13. Who provides the technical assistance? Can it be provided by members of the community?

The assistance will be provided by a team selected by EPA that may include federal staff and/or contractors hired by EPA through a competitive solicitation. EPA will select a single contractor team for multiple communities that we will serve through this round.

14. Is there a specific outcome or reporting that is expected as part of this program?

There are no formal reports or other requirements after the technical assistance process is completed. However, we do attempt to reach out to the local steering committee up to three or four times within the two-year period following the workshop to learn how things are going and of any progress being made toward completing the action plan.

15. Are there any tools or resources related to this program?

Yes. EPA developed the Local Foods, Local Places Toolkit to help communities interested in undertaking a similar planning process to develop their own plans for setting and achieving local food and revitalization goals. The toolkit was developed over the course of delivering the Local Foods, Local Places technical assistance and compiles best practices and lessons learned from the program. The toolkit provides step-by-step instruction for planning and hosting a community workshop and producing an action plan laying out next steps for implementation.

To find more of our resources for rural places and learn about how revitalization can help towns strengthen their economies, improve quality of life, and protect the environment and human health, see our Smart Growth in Small Towns and Rural Communities page.