How to: Advocate for State-Level Food Systems Funding

Purpose:

To inform Missouri state legislators about the impact of federal funding freezes and grant terminations on local food systems, farmers, and food security, and to request state financial support. This guide also includes ways for individuals and community members to take action.

Step 1: Identify Your Recipients

  • Address your letter to the State Representatives and Senators representing your organization’s service area.

  • Be sure to include:

    • Rep. Yolanda Young (serves on Agriculture and Budget committees in the House)

    • Senator Barbara Washington (serves on Agriculture and Appropriations committees in the Senate)

  • Find additional representatives at: Missouri General Assembly or House of Representatives.

Step 2: Write Your Letter

Letter Structure:

  1. Opening Paragraph: Introduction & Purpose

    • Introduce yourself and your organization.

    • Clearly state your concern about the funding freeze/cuts and its impact.

    • Specify that you are requesting state support.

  2. Middle Paragraph: Explain the Impact

    • Provide specific details on how the funding delay or termination affects your organization, local farmers, and food security.

    • Mention if federal grant reimbursements are delayed or unclear.

    • Highlight real-world consequences, such as food access issues, financial strain on farmers, or terminated contracts.

  3. Closing Paragraph: Call to Action

    • Directly request state intervention or financial assistance.

    • Express your willingness to discuss further.

    • Thank them for their time and support.

Step 3: Use a Sample Letter as a Guide

[Date]
Senator/Representative [Full Name]
[Building Name and Room Number]
Missouri State Capitol
Jefferson City, MO 65101

Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],

I’m reaching out on behalf of [Your Organization/community] to express deep concerns about the negative impact of federal funding freezes and grant terminations on local food systems, farmers, and food security in Missouri. We are asking for the State of Missouri to step in and support organizations like ours that are working to keep our communities fed during this uncertain time.

Our [organization/community] has already experienced delays in federal grant reimbursements, and we are struggling to get clear communication from USDA agencies regarding when or if these funds will be disbursed. Additionally, we have seen grant terminations among peer organizations, and we fear more will follow. This instability is jeopardizing our ability to provide fresh, nutritious food to food-insecure Missourians and support local farmers who depend on these programs.

As we navigate this crisis, we ask: Will the State of Missouri step up to ensure that food-insecure communities continue to receive support? We urge you to advocate for emergency state assistance to sustain critical food access programs.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and provide additional details on the impact within your district.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Mailing Address]

For Individuals & Community Members

Hi, my name is _________ and I’m a resident of ________ district in (MO/KS). I am reaching out because I have concerns about the negative impact of the illegal federal funding freeze and grant terminations on local food systems, farmers, and food security in our region. I am asking you to advocate on behalf of food systems organizations to help make sure our communities are fed. This is important to me because ______. Will the state help fill this funding gap? Thank you for your consideration!

Step 4: Make a Phone Call

Calling your legislators can be a powerful way to reinforce your letter. Here’s a quick script you can use:

Phone Call Script:

"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I live in [Your District/City]. I’m calling to express my concern about the impact of the federal funding freeze and grant terminations on food security in Missouri. Many organizations that grow and distribute food to food-insecure communities are struggling, and we need state-level support to fill this gap. I urge [Senator/Representative] [Last Name] to advocate for emergency state funding to sustain these vital programs. Can you tell me where [he/she/they] stand on this issue? Thank you for your time."

Step 5: Send Your Letter

  • Mailing: Send a physical letter for the highest impact.

  • Emailing: If sending by email, use a subject line such as: “Urgent: Missouri Must Address Federal Funding Freeze Impact on Food Security”

  • Follow Up: Call the offices to confirm receipt and ask for a response.

Step 6: Engage Your Community

Encourage Supporters to Take Action

  • Ask your network to contact their state representatives and senators.

  • Share the individual/community member template on social media, newsletters, and websites.

Develop a Weekly Call to Action

  • Organize a coordinated effort where every Wednesday, supporters take a specific action, such as contacting representatives, signing petitions, or sharing social media messages.

  • Collaborate with marketing teams to create branded weekly messaging.

  • Example: Focus on AMS grant terminations one week, then shift to protecting SNAP funding the next.

By following these steps, you can effectively advocate for state support in response to federal funding freezes that threaten food security and local agricultural sustainability.