Press release from ASAP:
ASAP has launched the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund to strategically address the emergency needs of farms during COVID-19 disruptions. Funds will be used for public health preparedness grants to farmers markets, to subsidize essential farm product packaging, and to purchase unsold food for donation to hunger programs. Donations to the Appalachian Grown Farmer Relief Fund can be made online at asapconnections.org or by mail or phone.
In a recent survey of farmers about the effects of the COVID-19 emergency, conducted by ASAP’s Local Food Research Center, eighty percent of respondents reported an immediate decrease in customers and sales. Two thirds reported that, if disruptions persist for several months, the long-term financial hardship would be severe enough to result in bankruptcy, business closure, and leaving the industry. The full report is available at asapconnections.org.
“Farmers need our support,” said ASAP executive director Charlie Jackson. “This fund and grant program will immediately provide direct assistance to address the most pressing needs of farmers and markets at this critical time.”
Farmers’ need for safe packaging materials have increased as they respond to public health imperatives and new market models. Packaging materials such as wax boxes and bags will be made available to farms to help ease the increased expense of meeting new market demands.
Farmers markets are one of the region’s key sales outlets for farmers, as well as important food access points, and have been critically impacted. ASAP is providing emergency grants of up to $200 each to farmers markets in the region to implement public health procedures, such as signage, caution tape, traffic cones, sanitizer, hand washing systems, masks, gloves, and packaging materials and labels for farm products. Appalachian Grown farmers markets may apply at asapconnections.org.
Finally, ASAP will make connections between community organizations working to alleviate hunger and farms that have unsold, perishable products. As funds are available, ASAP will help to cover the cost of the these products so that food does not go to waste and farms have much needed income.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.