News - Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities

Let’s make sure our senators know that we need full funding for LB1201, which was amended into LB1014, because… Nebraska farmers who grow food that directly feed their neighbors and local communities continue to be overlooked for bt USDA programs. These Nebraska farms work year-round to build soil, protect our waterways, and provide food for Nebraskans. With this bill, we have the opportunity to establish a statewide economic fund that would increase the investment in Nebraska farms, farmers, and farmworkers. Nebraska farmers and ranchers that raise food locally contribute to the critical food supply and health of our people. If this bill is voted to be approved by this committee, it would have the chance to be a national model of using the American Rescue Plan Act funding for local farms and farmers.For every dollar you spend buying from your local farmer or rancher, an additional $0.48 is circulated through your local economy not only fueling jobs but helping to make your community more resilient to external economic forces. www.food4all.com/the-economics-of-local-food/Other stats to be used:- Over 97% of Nebraska's food supply is imported. - Of the five USDA grant-funded projects I contributed to in 2021, ZERO was provided funding.Open Harvest Co-op GroceryNebraska Sustainable Agriculture SocietyNo More Empty PotsFood Bank of LincolnBellevue Together - Bellevue, NebraskaCoalition for a Strong NebraskaBuy Fresh Buy Local NebraskaCenter for Rural AffairsNebraska Cooperative Development Center-UNLJoslyn Institute for Sustainable CommunitiesSaving Grace Perishable Food RescueNebraska AppleseedCity SproutsHeartland United WayThanks to the 2022 Appropriation Committee! Sen. John Stinner, ChairpersonSen. Robert ClementsState Senator Myron DornSen. Steve ErdmanSenator Robert HilkemannSen. Mark KoltermanSenator Mike McDonnellSen. Tony VargasState Senator Anna Wishart ... See MoreSee Less