Dear John,

Thank you for all the time you’ve been with Heifer — helping people around the world to lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. I hope you’ve seen just how much of an impact your generosity has had in the lives of the families we help.

Your compassion for those in need has always been inspiring.

I wanted to write to assure you that our critical efforts continue despite the world pandemic. Right now, the virus has spread to 14 of the 21 countries we work in, and we are reaching out to staff on the ground to see how the families your gifts support are being impacted.

This includes families right here in our own backyard.

You may not be aware, but for a number of years, we’ve been working with small-scale family farmers across the USA. Just like we do with other families around the world, we’ve helped these families improve their quality of life by supporting them in raising their crops and animals to the highest standards and worked to connect them directly to consumers throughout the country. Much of this is done through the Grass Roots Farmers’ Cooperative.

And right now, despite sharing the same fears and concerns we all have — these small family farmers are working hard to produce the healthy food and produce our country needs right now — and we will be here for them in whatever way we can. You can read about the program, and all our work during this crisis, on our blog.