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Navigating USDA LAMP Grants: Insights from a Successful Alaskan Food Advocate

By Robbi Mixon, Executive Director, AFPC &
Ellen Olack, Regional Foods Programs Manager

USDA LAMP grants have played a pivotal role in transforming Alaska’s food systems over the past decade. By investing in infrastructure, supporting producers, and fostering community-based initiatives, these programs have enhanced food security, promoted local agriculture, and built resilience in the state’s food supply chain.

Securing grant funding for local food systems can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller organizations or first-time applicants. But for those working to strengthen regional food economies, the USDA’s Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) offers an important opportunity. Robbi Mixon, Executive Director of the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC), knows this well. Having written and won several LAMP grants, she has firsthand knowledge of what makes a compelling application—and how this funding can help transform local food systems, even in challenging environments like Alaska. 

Another added bonus of participating in these programs: national networking opportunities! USDA Grant Staff often host events like grantee conferences and virtual cohort meetings to share successes, challenges, and opportunities. You might just meet your next big project collaborators at one of these… AFPC met our Hawai’i and Virgin Islands Regional Food Business Center partners this way!

LAMP, which includes programs like the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP), is designed to support the development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food markets. It funds everything from infrastructure and aggregation to training, marketing, and technical assistance.

For organizations considering applying for a LAMP grant program, AFPC Executive Director Robbi Mixon emphasizes the importance of community-driven goals. “LAMP isn’t just about what you want to build—it’s about who it’s for,” she says. “The strongest applications are rooted in community needs and demonstrate meaningful collaboration with local partners.” 

Use your project narrative to paint a picture of your food system now—its strengths, its challenges, its people— and its FUTURE -how your project will make a difference within the community and food system.

Ultimately, Mixon believes that USDA LAMP grants are not just about funding—they’re about building capacity. “Every grant we’ve received has helped us grow relationships and deepen impact,” she says. “I’ve seen firsthand how investment from these programs have helped uplift Alaskans. From researching and establishing food hubs, to creating food systems improvement plans, to supporting the development of organizations like the Alaska Farmers Market Association, this funding has been foundational to many food systems projects.”

These programs can be quite competitive. For those new to the process, she encourages persistence. “You might not get your project funded the first time, but the process itself will make your vision and organization stronger by dreaming big and nurturing new partnerships. Be clear, be grounded in community, and be bold in your vision.” 

Take a look through these resources to get inspiration for your project and clarity on which program(s) may be right for your organization. 

New (Cool) Tool Alert! The LAMP Navigator is a tool that allows you to explore LAMP grant inputs, activities, and project details. Check out projects by grant program, location, project type, and more!

 

Explore the LAMP GRANTS Navigator Dashboard


NUTS AND BOLTS Considerations

Writing a competitive grant application requires creativity, clarity, alignment with USDA priorities, partnerships, and strong supporting evidence. Here are a few tips to consider as you prepare your application:

  • Read the full Request for Proposal (RFP) and Application to ensure you meet all of the requirements (ex. Entity type) and can provide the required match (in-kind and/or monetary)
  • Ensure you are applying to the appropriate grant program
  • Make sure you have a UEI number and a Grants.gov account – you will not be able to apply without these
  • Keep an eye on formatting, word count, and required attachments. Do not go over word and page counts, or your application may not be reviewed.
  • Follow the USDA’s instructions closely on file types, naming conventions, and limits.
  • Get clarity on anything you don’t understand. The USDA maintains a help desk that you can call or email with questions.
  • Submit your application by the deadline, noting the time zone listed in the deadline – late applications will not be accepted.
  • Log into the grants submission early – don’t wait until the last minute or you may not have time to troubleshoot anything that comes up.
  • Use data to define the local/regional food system issue. AFPC and other partners’ previous research and reports are a great way to “prove” your need is reasonable. (ex. Citing assessments from the recent Food Security & Independence Task Force
  • Incorporate stakeholder input to support the problem/ opportunity, using surveys, listening sessions, and other feedback
  • Draw a clear line between the project and the USDA’s goals. Explain how the project addresses an unmet need within the selected grant program’s priorities (ex. Demonstrate how a project will support local and regional food systems market development)
  • Break it down your project by objective, activities, timeline, responsible parties, and measurable outcomes – these are all required components. 
  • Although a bit cumbersomely formatted, use the USDA’s work plan template and be specific, but brief— who will do what, by when, and how. There’s not a lot of space to work with, so be as concise as possible.
  • Include milestones that show progress and accountability. A project management plan will demonstrate how a project will be managed, and accountability ensured.
  • Review the RFP for allowable costs. If you are unsure about a line item, ask the USDA help desk for clarification.
  • If it’s mentioned in the budget, it must be described in the work plan and/or project narrative. Use the budget narrative to justify each cost and connect it to the work plan.
  • Avoid vague or padded numbers. You should be specific and reasonable in what you’ll need to complete the project.
  • The application will require you input your budget into a WORD document. It’s best to create your draft budget in EXCEL with automatic formulas, to help avoid accounting errors.
  • If a match is required, include match documentation, utilizing the provided template.
  • This may be one of the most important tips – collaboration, collaboration, collaboration! The USDA values regional collaboration and existing networks.
  • Provide the required letters of partnership, utilizing the template provided.
  • Show that your project team has the ability to execute the project.  You will be asked to provide names of key staff and include bios, past experience, and project roles.
  • Select clear metrics for success from the list provided by the USDA (ex. Number of new farmers markets created). Some grant programs require you to create your own metric. 
  • Include HOW you will track data (ex., surveys, sales reports, meeting logs) – make sure you have budgeted appropriately to not only implement the project, but also measure it.
  • Describe how the project will continue or scale after the grant ends. What does this one-time investment into your project mean in the long-term?

Need Help with a LAMP Grant?
The Alaska Food Policy Council is here to support Alaskan organizations navigating the USDA LAMP grant process. AFPC will be hosting two virtual office hour sessions for drop-in questions:

Friday, June 6th and Friday, June 13th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (AKT)

Register here!

Whether you have a quick question or need help thinking through your project idea, this is a great time to connect.

Can’t make those times? No problem—Executive Director Robbi Mixon is also offering 20-minute one-on-one consultations by appointment. Reach out via email (rfbc@alaskafoodpolicycouncil.org) to schedule a time that works for you.