In this episode Executive staff of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund will discuss the impact of the government shutdown on family farmers in rural and underserved communities, and the resources the Federation offers to help them recover.
In support of the Federation’s Deepened Commitment to food sovereignty amid the government shutdown and ongoing crises Everything Co-op is simply republishing its press release previously issued.
Atlanta, Georgia — The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund recognizes the urgency of the government shutdown and its impact on programs such as SNAP, which millions depend on for food access, and has built infrastructure to address crises like this.
For nearly six decades, our mission has been to be a catalyst for the development of self-supporting communities through cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy. We remain committed to protecting Black landownership and ensuring our member farmers, landowners, and co-ops have the resources they need to survive and sustain our communities when systems fail.
Family farmers, especially small to mid-sized farms and particularly farmers of color, including Black producers, have been left out of decisions and investments, isolated from markets, and disenfranchised from the resources they are owed. That neglect is a root cause of today’s food and pricing crisis.
Farmers are first responders™. Even in a government shutdown and turbulent political climate, Black farmers, landowners, and co-ops continue to feed our people, often without the policy support or investment their work deserves. Right now, communities, including furloughed government employees and families in need, are facing food insecurity.
In response, we are in active discussions with our partners, including Feeding America and regional food banks, to connect Black farmers directly with food distribution systems and bridge the gap between producers and those they serve.
We are doubling down on support in our focus areas: cooperative economic development, land retention, and advocacy, with an emphasis on expanding market access, capital access, and emergency assistance so farmers can keep producing and families can keep eating. Through our Revolving Loan Fund and Regional Marketing System, two key strategic priorities advancing sustainability, we are helping Black farmers and cooperatives secure financing, strengthen operations, increase visibility, and build long-term economic stability.
We invite our members, partners, and allies to actively support us today. Please join our Capital Campaign, share our mission with your networks, and contribute financially or through partnerships. Your action expands our efforts and strengthens our fight for food sovereignty, cooperative power, and self-determination across the South.
On their website under “Resources” they list ongoing programs and support aimed at farmers and landowners (especially Black and underserved communities)- including disaster relief mini-grants, technical assistance, and applications for various relief funds. Federation FSC/LAF+1