In 2021, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle launched an initiative to support local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) farmers by building networks and providing resource assistance.
The Food Shuttle purchases directly from this network of dozens of farmers, funneling thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually to food pantries within their local communities. The arrangement not only fills pantry shelves with fresh, local produce, but also supports the farmers’ ability to make a viable living from their investment of land and labor, which boosts the local economy. Another benefit beyond strengthening community connections: the minimized supply chain process is more environmentally sustainable due to shorter transportation distances.
Historically, loan discrimination has resulted in major losses in financial opportunities for certain groups, perpetuating systemic inequities faced by BIPOC farmers and leaving them with crushing debt and higher rates of foreclosure. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 created a USDA program, the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, to provide $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who can show they experienced discrimination in USDA loan programs.
After the USDA received feedback that the application process was cumbersome and time-consuming, the deadline was extended to January 13, 2024. In recent months, the Food Shuttle has convened local farmers and invited representatives from the Windsor Group, which is supporting applicants as they wade through the 40-page application.
We are grateful for our partnership with local BIPOC farmers and passionate about addressing the systemic barriers that leave them at a disadvantage. We are also grateful to our loyal supporters who make all of this possible. Together, we can realize our vision of a more equitable food system for all.