Dear John,
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Demand Congress help small farmers, not Big Ag. It’s the best way to help local communities.
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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, John, 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!
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!
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!
Standing with you,
Jason Davidson,
Food and agriculture campaigner,
Friends of the Earth
