To me, it’s important to take time to reflect at this time of year, especially on those things we can be thankful for. It’s not always easy given the challenges we continue to face but just as family farmers endure, we must too. And being thankful for what’s been good can help us do that.
Among many other things, I’m thankful for the farmers and ranchers everywhere who continue to grow the good food that my family and friends, colleagues and neighbors need. I’m thankful that they continue to steward the soil and water around us and to strengthen our communities. And I’m thankful that we were able to safely gather again this past September in Hartford, Connecticut, to raise our voices and celebrate all that our family farmers do through good food and music and to show them that we care.
I’m especially grateful that there are so many folks out there who support family farmers in so many different, kind and generous ways. We all know that one of these is by spending our food dollars at our local farms and farmers markets. Another is by making a donation to Farm Aid, so that we may continue our mission to keep them on the land and provide them with the resources, strategies and fair farm policies they need to thrive.
With #GivingTuesday fast approaching – and in the spirit of gratitude for all they do – we hope you’ll take a moment to be there for our family farmers, just as they continue to be there for us.
Our Goal on GivingTuesday
We’re asking you to join us again this #GivingTuesday because Farm Aid depends upon the support of people like you to provide the critical resources our essential family farmers and ranchers need.
We’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $50,000 this year for #GivingTuesday on November 30, but we can only reach that with your help. You can even give us a head start towards our #GivingTuesday goal by donating today! Stand with Farm Aid and show family farmers just how much we value their hard work.
Once again, a generous group of Farm Aid donors have pledged to kick-start our campaign by matching a portion of the donations we receive this #GivingTuesday. So when you make a donation to support family farmers, your gift will have double the impact thanks to Karen Hirshan, Yan Besner, Tony Morelli, Randy Poe and Travis Webb.
We asked them if they’d share a few words about why they support Farm Aid and this is what they had to say:
“This past year has seen so much change and reinvention in our lives. My weekly trips to the farmers market have become precious to me and remind me how grateful I am for my local farmers. As soon as I smell the gorgeous scent of herbs and see all the seasonal produce available, I am transported to a happy place and a creative one! I not only treasure family farmers and admire them for their hard work in providing us good food, but for the inspiration they give me in both my kitchen and studio.
I have always photographed produce and flowers and dreamt of seeing them on ceramics; dishes, platters, mugs and the like. This year, with more time at home, my dream came true and I pursued a ceramic line using my photographs. My line of ceramics is getting ready to launch soon and I could not have made this dream come true without my local farmers providing me weekly inspiration. Support your farmers through Farm Aid – you never know what their hard work in the fields will lead to!”
– Karen Hirshan
“As we recalibrate from an upside down world these past twenty-plus months, we must continue to remember – and to support when and however we can – the folks who helped us all get from day to day. Many people forget that our essential front-line workers include the family farmer. Many people also forget that, even under normal circumstances, family farmers work hard to give us the good food we need. As a fundraiser, donor, volunteer and champion of Farm Aid, I never lose sight of how much any and all support is appreciated. On this #GivingTuesday, please give what you can, and thank those who fed us so that we can keep taking care of each other. Much love, everyone.”
– Yan Besner
“With supply chain and increasing food security issues in the news, supporting family farmers and buying local is more important than ever. I am proud to contribute to Farm Aid this #GivingTuesday so they may continue their mission to advocate for and support the family farmers and growers who feed our communities.”
– Tony Morelli
“I have been a fan and supporter of this organization since watching the very first Farm Aid concert on television in 1985. My grandfather was a farmer in Alabama and many of the friends I grew up with in the South had family farms. My childhood memories include spending days on those family farms, helping to milk the cows and gather the eggs. I remember how tomatoes used to taste when they were still grown without large amounts of fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides. I remember drinking milk when there was still cream at the top of the glass.
Change for the better is always good, but not all change is for the better. Changing the American food system based primarily on yield and corporate greed is one of the greatest disservices being done to the American people.
We still have a long way to go, but I have hope that the day will come when those who have never had the chance will finally be able to experience what tomatoes, corn, squash, chicken, beef, pork, and milk taste like when they come not from corporate farms but from America’s family farmers. How could anyone not want to become involved with an organization like Farm Aid?”
– Randy Poe
“Every year around this time, millions of Americans reflect on their lives and the world around them. We reflect on our problems, but also give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. One of the greatest blessings in my life has been the opportunity to grow up on a family farm. My parents still live on that farm, and each year I cherish the time that I can bring my two sons to the Central Illinois homestead to experience the connection with the land and the animals of our heritage. The hard work of my youth sticks out in my mind, but it is precisely that hard work that has given me so many good memories and made me who I am.
When I became a part of the Farm Aid family several years ago, I was welcomed into an incredible community of people committed to helping family farmers succeed in this turbulent world. Life has changed on family farms since I grew up there, but the love of the land and the freedom of working in the fields and barns is still powerful and draws people of strength and courage to carry on the task of feeding our communities. I am proud to support the great work of the Farm Aid organization, and I hope others will feel the same.”
– Travis Webb
Our Way of Saying Thanks
This year, as a small token of our appreciation, we will send #GivingTuesday donors a 25% off discount code towards Farm Aid merch. Shop in our online store and proudly wear your support of family farmers.
You Can Help Farm Aid Make A Difference
Please join us this #GivingTuesday on November 30, to make a difference in the lives of the essential family farmers who provide us with good food, steward our soil and water, and strengthen our communities! Here’s how you can help:
- Make a gift to Farm Aid to help us reach our goal on #GivingTuesday
Mark your calendar by downloading this helpful reminder so you don’t forget! - Spread the Word
Want to see your good deed go even further? Help us get the word out on social media! Post your favorite food and farm photos or tell people why you love Farm Aid and use the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #FarmAid. You can even start your own fundraising campaign or join a team to help grow the Farm Aid family. - Eat Well, Do Good
Finally, don’t forget to share your support of family farmers every day by eating good food grown in your community.
Please help us reach our goal! We’re grateful for your support!
