IL-EATS - Appendix H - Underserved Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Letter of Support Template

Date

Name of Business/Farm

Address of Business/Farm

City, State, Zip code

RE: IL-Equitable Access to Towards Sustainable Systems (EATS) Letter of Support

Dear Department of Human Services, Division of Family & Community Services:

  • am writing this letter of support with the intention of supporting (name of lead agency you intend to work with) as an underserved/socially disadvantaged farmer/rancher that will grow/produce and provide eligible Illinois products to meet the needs of underserved communities.
  • I intend to grow/produce the following eligible products for IL-EATS: (list the products you intend to provide).
  • I meet the following underserved/socially disadvantaged criteria below (check all that apply):
  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Asian
  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
  • Black/African American
  • Latine/o/a
  • Refugee
  • LGBTQ+
  • Veteran
  • Female Business Owner
  • Greater than 50 miles (or 30 minutes) to the nearest distribution point (farmers market or market opportunity)
  • Qualify for benefits based on income (low socioeconomic status)
  • Person with disabilities
  • New farmer/rancher (USDA definition is under 10 years)
  • Business is located in one of the following high-vulnerability counties (as determined by CDC's Social Vulnerability Index: Champaign, Coles, Cook, Douglas, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Kane, Kankakee, Knox, Lake, Lawrence, Macon, Marion, Massac, Morgan, Peoria, Perry, Pulaski, Rock Island, Saline, St. Clair, Stephenson, Union, Vermilion, Warren, Wayne, Winnebago

Provide additional details regarding your experience in addressing food insecurity, providing culturally responsive foods to underserved communities, and your relationship with the lead agency length of time you have been collaborating.

Sincerely,

Name of business owner/farmer

Signature