Dear John,

Since the onset of COVID-19, a growing number of people in the US -- over 41
million -- are facing food insecurity. More than a third of households with
children under the age of 18 have reported their kids are not eating enough
because they can’t afford food. Nearly a quarter of households without children
have reported that they do not have sufficient resources to buy food.

Not only are millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity, but the
coronavirus pandemic has left many small, beginning, and underserved farmers in
dire financial straits. Farmers who traditionally relied on selling crops to
local schools, farmers markets, institutions, and restaurants have been
struggling to maintain sales these past few months.

Thankfully, there is good news -- Senator Booker has introduced the Local FARM
Act -- a way to support small family famers and famers of color to better serve
their communities and stay in business. But we need you, Friend, to help push your legislators to pass this bill.

Tell Congress: Support solutions that help address the food insecurity of
millions of Americans while also supporting farmers!

Take Action
[[link removed]]The legislation will provide historically underserved farmers with the
assistance they need to keep their communities fed in response to COVID
disruptions. Small farmers, beginning farmers, and historically underserved
farmers, including farmers of color will get 50% of the funds to produce and
distribute crops.

Unlike the last stimulus bill, the Local FARM Act won’t bail out Big Ag -- no
more USDA funding for factory farms and large operations with a blank check.
Instead, historically underserved farmers, particularly farmers of color and
Indigenous farmers who have faced systemic discrimination at the hands of the
USDA will finally have the assistance they need!

Demand Congress support small farmers. Do not continue to bail out Big Ag!

Take Action
[[link removed]]The COVID pandemic has made it hard for farmers to get their food to families.
Too many small-scale and beginning farmers have had to dump products due to
supply chain issues with traditional markets. Corporate factory farms have been
incapable of maintaining healthy and safe operations for their workers. And food
banks are struggling with greater demand, yet restricted donations.

Billions of dollars have been allocated in response to the health crisis, yet
programs to compensate farmers have largely failed. The Local FARM Act provides
a much needed boost for local food systems.

It will provide an expansion for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) online. By increasing the number of retailers who can accept SNAP
benefits online -- such as farmers markets, food hubs, and agricultural co-ops
-- struggling farmers can weather this disaster. Small farmers will have the
opportunity provide their local communities with the food they need to survive,
while receiving the proper funding to keep their heads above water.

As we continue to see the COVID crisis stretch further, it is time Congress acts
to prioritize people and small farmers -- instead of bailing out Big Ag.

John, can you spare two minutes to help support local
farmers and their communities?

Tell your Senator: Support the Local FARM Act and support the American people!

Take Action
[[link removed]]
Standing with you,
Jason Davidson,
Food and agriculture campaigner,
Friends of the Earth

Contact Us:Friends of the Earth U.S.

Washington, D.C. | Berkeley, CA

1-877-843-8687

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