The vulnerability of communities to failures in the supply chain was starkly demonstrated during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic as many communities suffered from food shortages even as farmers could not find markets and produce rotted in the fields. Something is wrong with this picture. In the end USDA came up with a multi- billion plan to pay farmers for food boxes delivered to food banks and other community based distribution facilities. it is no secret that those who pollute less are the ones who suffer most from the negative impacts of environmental injustice and climate change, whether they are individuals, communities or nations. In the United States, this means that Black, Indigenous and other people of color suffer disproportionately. On the global level, developing countries experience food insecurity much more than their developed counterparts, but are less able to provide the social safety nets to help their populations in times of disaster or other emergencies.
Agricultural Missions is working with partners in local communities to develop their capabilities to plan and implement programs to address the problem of food insecurity, whatever the cause. The basic idea is to facilitate the development of resilient food systems which are owned and controlled at the community level. One size does not fit all and the specific details vary, depending on the geographic location of these communities as well as on the prevailing social, economic and cultural circumstances. In some southern states AMI is working with local community organizations to establish formal and informal relationships with nearby small farmers to assure access to fresh produce. Where it is possible to do so community and home gardens will compliment and supplement this source. These actions will reduce susceptibility to both food insecurity and to disruptions in the supply chain.
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