Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI)

??H.R. 9495 ??could give the executive branch the power to silence nonprofits by labeling them as "terrorist-supporting organizations" and stripping their tax-exempt status—without needing to provide solid proof. We already have laws to stop funding for terrorism. So why this bill? Critics warn it’s a dangerous overreach that could be weaponized to target nonprofits that dissent or challenge the administration. Don’t let this bill become a tool for abuse. Your voice matters! The Independent Sector has a short, easy script and the telephone of your rep. Visit https://bit.ly/40PFJmW #HR9495 #ProtectNonprofits #DemocracyMatters

The USDA recently announced that 407,733 households across 24 Florida counties affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Florida applications will be accepted in phases from October 28 to mid-December. Additionally, five more counties in Georgia—Dodge, McIntosh, Taliaferro, Thomas, and Warren — are now eligible, expanding the total coverage to 112 counties across multiple states. D-SNAP provides temporary food aid to households impacted by disasters. Find out more information HERE: https://bit.ly/3NFEj6J

Join us for this free event to help raise funds for Farmers and Artists affected by Hurricane Helene. Live music will feature Jennifer Curtis, Shana Tucker, The Jive Bombers, and The Radio. Additionally, we will have local vendors set up and the food and beverage on-site throughout the event. Come and enjoy a fall Sunday in Pittsboro. While there, make a donation to RAFI and North Carolina Arts Foundation disaster relief funds to help farmers and artists/art organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. RAFI will host an information table and will also be accepting cash donations. The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro, NC Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Attention Western NC Residents! The NC Department of Health and Human Services has opened applications for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (D-SNAP) in 25 counties affected by Hurricane Helene. Eligible households can receive one-time food assistance based on income and losses. Applications are open Through October 24, 2024 by phone, online or at local D-SNAP sites. Over 150,000 people are expected to benefit, so please spread the word. For details, visit bit.ly/3BZ1fLn or call 1.844.453.1117. #DSNAP #HurricaneHelene #WesternNC

Join RAFI and the Open Spatial Lab on November 1 for a webinar introducing the GROCERY GAP ATLAS. This tool visualizes corporate concentration in the U.S. grocery industry, highlighting its impact on food access and community health. The session will feature a live demonstration, key findings, and a discussion on how this tool can be applied to policy and advocacy. Register now to explore how corporate dominance shapes our food systems. Register HERE: https://bit.ly/405ZLsP

And just like that the 2024 Come to the Table Conference has come to a close! We enjoyed two days of thoughtful conversation, engaging workshop sessions, and meaningful collaboration, with over 300 passionate farmers, faith leaders, and food justice advocates from across the country. A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us, either in Rock Mount, NC, or remotely, for making this conference a success. Your enthusiasm and insights truly made this event unforgettable! Scroll through to see some highlights from sessions, special events, and more! We encourage you to continue sharing your own—be sure to include the #FoodLandandSacredStories hashtag and tag us.

Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation for farmers throughout the Southeast U.S., leaving crops destroyed, equipment damaged, and many livelihoods in jeopardy. To support those affected, RAFI has established the Hurricane Helene Farmer Relief Fund to provide critical, on-the-ground assistance. Your contribution will go directly to farmers facing these challenges, offering immediate relief funds to help them recover and rebuild. Every dollar makes a difference and serves as a lifeline for a farmer in need. Stand with our farming communities today — donate now to help farmers get back on their feet. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to support farmers impacted by the hurricane. Together, we can help them restore their farms and ensure the future stability of our food system. https://bit.ly/3Y6zitR

PLEASE SHARE! Farmers! If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene, we want to remind you, "CAMERA BEFORE CHAINSAWS." According to USDA's FSA, follow these steps: 1. Document damage with dated photographs, videos, and third-party verification (non-family if possible). 2. Make every effort to report farm damage to your local USDA Service Center to request assistance (if the office doesn't answer, be sure to leave a voicemail). Call your local USDA service center to seek pre-authorization to maximize your chances of getting cost-share reimbursements for repairs. If no one answers, leave a voicemail describing the damage and the repairs needed. If the line is down, you may call any county office in your state. (Be prepared to leave your name and description of damage (include both emergency and long-term) and a list of repairs you are requesting funding for.) 3. Farmers should start taking extensive notes in addition to pictures: --What damage you’ve experienced --What repairs you need to do --What costs you incur in implementing repairs --Keep RECEIPTS! 4. If possible to wait, do not start permanent repairs and field restoration without FSA authorization. You may do emergency repairs, e.g. gates, fencing, etc. Please contact RAFI’s Crisis Hotline if you have questions or need assistance: 866.586.6746 Compete the form below to stay apprised of updates and information. We will keep in touch as we learn more. BE SAFE! The RAFI Team ------ LINKS Form to share information with us to receive updates: https://bit.ly/3ZQmVnb Disaster info from USDA: https://bit.ly/4dtB6kY RAFI Disaster Information: https://bit.ly/3zETBFk Directory of county offices (If your county's phone is down, you may call other county offices.): https://bit.ly/3ZMpZRc

RAFI, in collaboration with the Open Spatial Lab (OSL) at the Data Science Institute of the University of Chicago, recently released the Grocery Gap Atlas. The Atlas geographically visualizes corporate concentration in the U.S. grocery industry, including how it affects food access and who it impacts. The Grocery Gap Atlas seeks to create opportunities for substantial data analysis that can more reliably inform policy decisions addressing concentration in the grocery industry, engage and educate the public, and highlight potential solutions to poor food access. Learn more HERE: https://bit.ly/47Axfl4