According to the USDA, 12.8 percent (17.0 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2022. Statistically, this was significantly higher than the 10.2 percent (13.5 million) in 2021. The statistics also highlight key disparities, as Black households faced disproportionately higher prevalence of household food insecurity than their counterparts at 22.4 percent in 2022, compared to 9.3 percent of White, non-hispanic households.

In response to the food crisis in our communities, it is imperative that we continue to build the capacity of returning generation Black farmers in order to expand access to quality, culturally-appropriate foods in food desert areas.

The Black Farmers Experience is a unified multi-partner campaign led by the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus, aimed at raising funds to support our continued capacity building efforts. This campaign also serves to build awareness of local Black farmers and expand their access to market opportunities.

The Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus is a member-led farmer cooperative of over 100 members located in clusters throughout the mid-Atlantic region in 4 states (Virginia, Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and Delaware) and Washington DC. Our Mission is to strengthen our local and regional food system and achieve food and nutrition security. We are dedicated to enhancing the availability, diversity and accessibility of quality, culturally appropriate, locally grown and produced food for food desert areas.

Our Fundraising Goal is to raise $25,000 during the month of June. Proceeds will go to continued mentorship and training for beginning farmers, conferences and workshops, outreach, and marketing and promotion activities.

As a way to both thank potential donors and recognize their contributions, our network of farmers have prepared a few offerings as benefits to top donors:

$5,000 & up, Sustainer Circle: The two top donors at this level will receive a 3-hr private tasting w/ friends at Sweet Vines Farm Winery for a Monday-Friday or a non-holiday weekend in July-September 2024 at a beautiful, historic family winery in northern Virginia. (Receive online recognition with a link to your website, as well as verbal/print recognition at our annual conference and workshop series)
$2,500 - $4,999, Community Circle: The top 5 donors at this level receive a private Sunflower Photoshoot for 2 guests available between July 7-13 2024 at the beautiful Winfield Farms in Surry, VA. (Receive online recognition with a link to your website, as well as verbal/print recognition at our annual conference and workshop series)
$1,000 - $2,499, Friends Circle: The top donor at this level will receive a Glamp in a Bell Tent for 4-6 people for a weekend available from July-September 2024 at Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest in Birdsnest, VA. Enjoy an amazing experience with stargazing, sound healing, bonfire, trail walk to a secluded beach, and a farm-to-table meal prepared over fire. (Receive online recognition with a link to your website, as well as verbal/print recognition at our annual conference and workshop series)
$500 - $999, Neighbors: The top donor at this level will receive a Picnic and Farm Tour for 4-6 people at Farm TBD from July-September 2024, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon. Table and chairs set-up and a welcome beverage included; (Receive online recognition with a link to your website, as well as verbal/print recognition at our annual conference and workshop series)
$100 - $499, Citizen: Receive online recognition with a link to your website if applicable

In addition to donor benefits, there will be activities and events taking place in cities throughout our region all June, including:

June 15th - Harvest Dinner at Locals Marketplace located in Downtown Norfolk, VA (GET TICKETS - only 40 available)

This past January, thanks to our sponsors, American University, Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC, Future Harvest CASA and Province III of the Episcopal Church we were able to execute our Inaugural Black Farmers Conference held in Washington DC on January 26-27, 2024. Please enjoy a video compilation from our conference below:

To learn more about the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus, please follow us on our Instagram @blackfarmerscoop or visit our website at www.balckfarmers.coop

Black Farmers Experience

By Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus Inc

Black Farmers Experience

Fundraising Campaign