PFPC Submits Comments to USDA on Identifying Barriers in USDA Programs and Services; Advancing Racial Justice and Equity and Support for Underserved Communities at USDA

On August 14th, the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council (PFPC) responded to the USDA’s request for comments on Identifying Barriers in USDA Programs and Services; Advancing Racial Justice and Equity and Support for Underserved Communities at USDA as part of its implementation of Executive Order 13985. The request for comments provided the PFPC with an opportunity to note the barriers that People of color and underserved communities face in accessing, enrolling, and participating in USDA programs and services and engaging with USDA staff.

The PFPC solicited input from members via a survey sent through organizational listservs, and drew upon members’ previous experiences with USDA services and programs, the PFPC’s own experience with USDA programs, and relevant priorities from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Action Plan (GPFAP).

Key suggestions we put forward to the USDA to make their services more accessible and inclusive include: Streamlining and simplifying the highly technical and time-consuming grant application process. Lengthening the often short turnaround for grant applications. Increasing USDA staff capacity to regularly and effectively reach out to underserved communities with information and resources.

The PFPC included the following GPFAP priorities as additional ways for the USDA to advance racial equity:

Strategy 1.2.3: Increase public investment in regional food systems Recommendation 2.1: Improve access to land and capital for farmers, especially beginning farmers and farmers of color Recommendation 2.2: Make education, training, and mentorships more available to farmers Recommendation 3.5: Reduce barriers to food safety regulatory compliance for growers and value added producers Recommendation 4.3: Work with schools to increase access to healthy food for children and families Recommendation 4.4: Improve quality/availability of food offered through federal nutrition programs

To read the PFPC’s full comments to the USDA, visit the Federal Register webpage here. Other trusted organizations such as the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), and Just Harvest also submitted comments.