Greetings all,
Erica here, fresh off three months of maternity leave and diving back in to Foodshed Capital's busiest first quarter to date. With over $300,000 in loan funds about to be deployed, we are growing at an exciting pace and significantly increasing the support we can provide to BIPOC-owned and underserved operations throughout the region. Thank you to all the donors, investors, and grantors who have made this growth possible!
It is a potent time to be doing the work we do. With the sobering assault on the people of Ukraine and the global uproar that has emerged in response, we find ourselves seeing the value of our work through yet another lens. Building robust, regenerative local food systems is ever more important as community resilience and imminent supply chain issues are top of mind.
In that vein, FoodCap is part of a collaborative effort with Slow Money NC, Croatan Institute, and Rural Beacon Initiative to support the acquisition of 50 acres in a historically Black community in eastern North Carolina, Vera Brown Farm. This acquisition will allow for the creation of an educational sustainability hub, a model of resilient rural development that is scalable, replicable, and addresses the urgent climate and social issues of our time. We'll be sharing more news about this effort in the coming weeks, but if you are interested in showing your support, please consider making a contribution to our Black Farmer Equity Fund here.
Despite the social and environmental challenges we face, we are inspired by the successes of our borrowers and invigorated by our unique ability to support them. We hope you'll enjoy the following snapshots of what we're up to and feel inclined to support our work if you are able.
Warmly,
Erica Hellen
Director of Operations
|
|
|
|
Meet our recent loan recipients from Hardy Family Farm in southeast, VA. The farm was founded by Nancy and Leroy Hardy in 2008 on five acres of land that has been in the Hardy family for generations. Their son Stephen is now taking the reins, building new infrastructure, and gearing up production of mixed veggies and flowers. With a focus on organic, regenerative practices that improve the soil and invite pollinators, their FoodCap loan will help fund the revitalization of the farm as they expand to new markets.
Learn more about them here!
|
|
Two Weeks Away!
There are just 8 more spaces available for our second series focused on bookkeeping for small farmers, co-facilitated by our partners at Kitchen Table Consultants. Whether you keep all your receipts in a shoebox, or you've gotten a start with Quickbooks but aren't sure how to make sense of it all, this series will help you get organized and learn how to make strategic financial choices for your business going forward.
Our first series in February was a resounding success:
"This was exactly what I needed as a beginning farm only 2 years into growing. With a correct financial foundation I feel like my business will have a better chance at long term success and sustainability."
Don't forget - the 3-part series is completely free, funded in part through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Series 2
March 15, 22, and 29
Tuesdays 10am - Noon
|
|
Foodshed Capital is excited to be expanding our team once again. We are seeking a Lending Coordinator to assist with loan underwriting and due diligence, as well as to support our growing portfolio of borrowers with technical assistance and ongoing partnership.
Want to learn more, or know someone who might be a good fit? Read more about the position on our website:
|
|
Our friends at National Young Farmers Coalition have launched the most inclusive survey of young and BIPOC farmers to date. Every 5 years they survey farmers across the country to present an up-to-date picture of the challenges and promises of the next generation in agriculture.
The survey takes just a couple minutes, and they're making it very much worth your while with discount coupons and the chance to win sweet prizes. Please consider adding your voice or passing the link along to the farmers in your life.
|
|
With your financial support, we can extend patient, low-cost capital to regenerative farmers who have been left behind by traditional lenders. We're building equity into the food system, and we can't do it without you.
Will you help us continue the work?
Whether it's $5 a month or $50 a month, small and steady gifts are the most valuable kind of support. Thanks for chipping in!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
