THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL (FOOD AID) PROCUREMENT PROGRAM (LRP) AIMS TO STRENGTHEN LOCAL AND REGIONAL PROCUREMENT IN FOOD-INSECURE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES TO SUPPORT THE CONSUMPTION OF LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD AND STRENGTHEN LOCAL VALUE CHAINS AND ASSOCIATED PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES. THE LRP PROGRAM COMPLEMENTS EXISTING U.S. GOVERNMENT FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS, ESPECIALLY, THE MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM. THIS LRP PROGRAM IS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN NICARAGUA.