People Power

From the Executive Director

Dear Living Roots Readers,

As winter settles in and we gather with family and friends, this mini edition of Living Roots offers a moment of reflection. It’s been a tumultuous year for the growers and producers that feed our communities, as federal shifts have disrupted programs that farmers depend on. Yet through it all, we continue to see extraordinary resilience — proof that when we care for one another, our roots hold strong. In this season of renewal, let us take the time to rest and replenish so we can better support one another as we move into the new year.

In this issue, you’ll meet farmers who embody that steadfast spirit: the Muse brothers of Louisiana, feeding kids and fighting cuts after losing USDA support, and Puerto Rican growers turning to solar energy to keep their farms and communities thriving. Their stories remind us that community care can be found all over, and together we can face challenges by supporting each other.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to gather again on March 12–13, 2026, for our Come to the Table Conference: Food & the Common Good in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This biennial event brings together farmers, faith leaders, and advocates to share stories, renew purpose, and build a food system rooted in compassion and justice.

As we close this year and look toward what’s next, may these stories offer warmth and encouragement. Thank you for standing with RAFI and the farmers we serve as they steward their land and feed their communities.

With gratitude,

Kavita Koppa

Co-Executive Director