RAFI-USA today announced the first-ever round of grants from its new Farmers of Color Network Infrastructure Fund. The program provides grants up to $5,000 to farmers for projects to increase farm viability, support farmers’ local food economies, and preserve traditional farming practices. A total of $131,500 was granted to 27 farmers in NC, SC, and Virginia.
A conversation with Come to the Table grantee, Patty Herring of Calvary Memorial United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, to learn more about Calvary Memorial’s food ministry and the impact of the grant.
Beyond our titles do you wonder what a typical week is like for RAFI-USA staff? Take a look below to see how we generally spend our days at RAFI-USA.
Join RAFI-USA this Wednesday at 2pm EST for a virtual workshop on the Trauma of Betrayal in Farm Loss. This Zoom session will help farmers and those who provide assistance to farmers who have experienced or are experiencing financial crisis on the specifics of farmer betrayal; a betrayal committed by someone a farmer thought was going to help them during their financial crisis.
Emergency small grants help farmers with household bills, and connect church feeding programs with local food producers.
Right before the coronavirus shut everything down, RAFI-USA held a screening of our documentary film ‘Under Contract: Farmers and the Fine Print’ at the Congregational Church of Pinehurst, United Church of Christ. We recently spoke with Kathy Nekton, chair of the church’s Mission, Peace, and Justice team to learn about her experience viewing the film.
Join RAFI-USA and Rural Forward NC online on July 14, 2020 from 6-8pm for a Community Conversation with Pastor Anthony Gibson and Dr. Dawn Baldwin Gibson of Peletah Ministries.
Two months ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act to address the coronavirus pandemic, which included provisions related to agriculture. In order for any part of the bill to become law, the Senate will need to pass its own version.
RAFI-USA stands against racism, police brutality, racist vigilante violence, and state violence. As an agricultural advocacy organization, we recognize that the food and farming system in the U.S. was and continues to be based on the exploitation of marginalized people.