Last year, we partnered with FarmAid to distribute more than 200 relief payments to farmers of color in response to racial disparities in pandemic financial relief. This year, we were able to offer a new round of one-time $500 COVID-19 relief payments for farmers of color living in the Northeastern U.S. These payments may be used for any personal or household expense.
Actualmente estamos aceptando solicitudes para COVID alivio para Agricultores de Color. Nuestro fondo de ayuda proporciona un pago de $ 500 a los agricultores de color que viven en el noreste de los EE. UU. y se han visto afectados por la pandemia. Pueden utilizarse estos pagos para cualquier gasto doméstico o personal.
We understand that this is a modest sum and that much more relief is needed. However, this amount allows us to provide some relief with no strings attached:
We know these payments do not come close to rectifying the effects of centuries of systemic racism in agriculture. We only hope they can provide a degree of immediate relief while we continue to work toward an equitable food system.
All applicants will be notified of their status Todos los solicitantes serán notificados de su estado: August 2, 2021
Relief payment checks will be mailed out Los cheques de pago de alivio se enviarán por correo: August 9, 2021
Explore other sources of COVID-19 information and relief funding for farmers in our Resource Library.
Learn MoreHelp us provide more relief payments. Any amount you donate will go directly to farmers of color.
Donate HereHow will recipients be chosen?
Applicants must be people of color who are working directly in agriculture and have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, either personally or professionally. View the full eligibility requirements on the application page.
Since Pasa has historically been a predominantly white-led organization, we’ve assembled an application review committee that includes a diverse group of leaders, representing communities of color from our regional food system. The perspectives and feedback they bring to this effort is invaluable and they are being compensated financially for their time and expertise.
The review committee evaluates submitted applications according to the following priorities:
What is the amount of the relief payments?
Relief payments will be $500
We understand that this is a modest sum and that much more relief is needed. However, this amount allows us to provide some relief with no strings attached. Applicants do not have to share any tax information or their immigration status, as they would with a larger amount. And recipients can use this payment to meet needs beyond the scope of other agriculture-specific relief funds. Payments may be used for any household or personal expense.
How many applicants will receive payments?
At the current level of funding,160 applicants will be approved. Help us give more payments by contributing to the relief fund. 100% of your donation will go directly to farmers.
Can multiple people in the same farming business receive a relief payment?
Yes.
Can multiple people in the same household receive a relief payment?
No, only one application should be submitted and only one payment will be issued per household.
Are there requirements for how relief checks are spent?
These payments may be used for any personal or household expenses. No financial reporting will be required to apply or to show how funds are spent.
Why are you only giving these funds to farmers of color?
COVID-19 has impacted communities of color at higher rates than white communities. And while we applaud the unprecedented debt relief for farmers of color in the stimulus relief package, the USDA has acknowledged a longstanding history of discriminating against farmers of color in distributing program funds. And much of the other available COVID relief funding includes priorities or biases that predominantly benefit white farm owners, for example, the Federal CARES Act funding has prioritized businesses who have relationships with banks, which have a history of denying access to farmers of color. And COVID stimulus checks are not available to those without legal immigration status.
Pasa’s COVID Relief payments do not rectify the systemic racism and biases that impacted how other funds have been distributed. This is one very small step to acknowledge these disparities and work toward a more equitable future.
Where does the money in this relief fund come from?
This relief fund is made possible by a generous gift from an anonymous donor and by additional contributions from Pasa and other donors.
Help us give relief payments to more farmers of color. Donate to the relief fund today.
