View Our Past Events

Increasing Access to Kosher and Halal Foods in Communities
Wednesday, December 11 – 2:00-3:15 pm Eastern

Please join us for a webinar discussing USDA efforts to increase access to kosher and halal foods in emergency feeding programs. You will hear from USDA and private sector subject matter experts about the demand for kosher and halal foods, and the food security challenges facing kosher and halal observant communities.

• Kosher and Halal Recording
  • Passcode: 1@s@*9PF

Cultivating Care in the Agricultural Community: Celebrating Mental Health Outreach and Agricultural Wellness Capacity Building in Georgia
Monday, December 16 from 2:00-4:00pm Eastern

Join the USDA and partners from across the State of Georgia to discuss innovations in farm stress and rural mental health. This webinar tells the story of the Georgia Agricultural Wellness Alliance, a strategic partnership with leading farm service and health providers in GA to understand the root causes of farm stress, and the development of tools, resources, and strategies to address them, and to support farmers and agricultural workers.

• Cultivating Care Recording
  • Passcode: 8Xd9Q8H*

Supporting Mental Health in Disaster Affected Communities by Addressing Compassion Fatigue
Wednesday, October 30 – 2:00-3:30 pm Eastern
ZoomGov Registration

With the recent devastation caused by the hurricanes, people in many regions are in tremendous need and suffering from the trauma of the experience. In this webinar we will discuss emotional and behavioral impacts of disaster on individuals and strategies to best support them. We will also talk about the role compassion fatigue has on the helpers in a disaster situation and how to take care of yourselves as you navigate helping your communities.

Session Recording 

• ZoomGov Recording
  • Passcode: $njCyjy9

Building Protective Factors in Agriculture to Prevent Suicide, hosted by the USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement, and the Farm Veteran Coalition
Thursday, September 26 from 1-2:30pm eastern

Statistics show that suicide deaths among agriculture producers are higher than the general population. This is due to varied, unique and often uncontrollable stressors that producers face on a daily basis. During this webinar, we will hear from a farmer about her families journey through significant stressors and the impact it had on their health and wellbeing. Then we will have a discussion on building protective factors in our individual lives, in our families, and in our operations to promote wellness and prevent suicide.

Session Recording

• ZoomGov Recording
  • Passcode: ZyR@iHj8

Supporting Healthy and Thriving Rural Communities: Virtual Bilingual Webinar
September 4, 2024 from 2-3:30pm

Rural communities are not just part of our nation’s backbone—they are key to its strength and prosperity. Supporting their well-being is crucial for our country’s continued success. In this important session, experts from the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) will share valuable resources and strategies to help rural communities grow and stay healthy. You’ll learn about USDA grants and loans, nutrition programs, and mental health resources tailored to the specific challenges these communities face, and other critical topics that will empower and strengthen our communities.

This session is the first in a series of webinars designed to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive. Co-hosted by the HHS and USDA Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Hispanic Access Foundation, this series aims to bring valuable insights and resources to the forefront. Spanish language translation will be available to ensure broad accessibility.

Session Recording (Hispanic Access Foundation)

• A recording of the Sept. 4 presentation may be found here in both English or Spanish: HHS ZoomGov recording

Webinar on Supporting Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Workers across America, hosted by USDA and Farm Aid
Thursday, August 22 from 2-3:30pm
Learn more about Farm Aid's programs that support family farms across the country. The webinar is hosted on zoom.gov; please register here: Supporting Farmers, Ranchers, and Agricultural Workers across America, hosted by USDA and Farm Aid

Who you will hear from
Scott Marlow, Senior Advisor to the Administrator, USDA Farm Service Agency
Shorlette Ammons, Program Director, Farm Aid
Caitlin Arnold Stephano, Hotline Program Manager, Farm Aid
Hannah Tremblay, Policy and Advocacy Manager, Farm Aid
Cristina Sandolo, Grant Program Manager, Farm Aid

More about Farm Aid

Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on the land. Farm Aid has raised nearly $80 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America.

Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of organizations across the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets, transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, and survive natural disasters.

Farm Aid works with local, regional and national organizations to promote fair farm policies and grassroots organizing campaigns designed to defend and bolster family farm-centered agriculture. By strengthening the voices of family farmers, Farm Aid stands up for the people upon whom we all depend. Farm Aid’s Action Center allows concerned citizens to become advocates for farm policy change.

Session Recording (Farm Aid)

• www.zoomgov.com/rec/share/xw9b5FZknTAE8joFm1xk7X_k4_KWn0RxUxCSYIrNo_2NCoN-tqAYyEsuGBUF-Cau.OmU6aZYKP1iJC1pH?startTime=1724347879000
  • Passcode: %xR88dAh

National FaithLands Conference – Scholarships available

The conference is going to be hosted in Delaware, Ohio at the Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio (MTSO) August 6th – 8th, 2024. National FaithLands advocates from around the country will gather here to learn about and enjoy the successful and beautiful 10 acre Seminary Hill Farm located at MTSO. You are invited to join a gathering of faith-community leaders and farmer advocates from around the U.S. that are interested in learning and sharing about growing food on lands owned by faith-based communities.

Join the USDA and Mississippi State University for a panel discussion and a virtual screening of On the Farm

Wednesday, July 17 – 2:00-3:30pm Eastern

As symbols of independence and the rewards of hard work, few things are more quintessentially American than the family farm. But small farms in the U.S. have been struggling to survive. And it isn’t just the farms that are at risk – it’s farmers. Farmers have experienced high suicide rates, addiction, depression, and stress-related illness, all made worse because the problems often remain hidden. Like many Americans, farmers are reluctant to acknowledge mental health issues, and they are unlikely to use resources that aren’t easily accessible to people living in rural areas.

Please join us for a panel discussion and virtual film screening of Emmy award winning documentary, On the Farm. The film illustrates the stress associated with farming through the personal stories of four farmers.

The webinar features a screening of the film, followed by a panel discussion, hosted on zoom.gov.

Speakers

• Deputy Under Secretary Sanah Baig, USDA Research, Education, and Economics
• Samantha Joseph, Director, USDA Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
• Dr. David Buys, Associate Vice Provost for Health Sciences, Mississippi State University
• Tammy Jacobs, Hotline Operator, Iowa Concern, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Session Recording

• USDA and MS State Virtual Panel Discussion and Film Screening of On the Farm
  • Passcode: BK=Reni5

Stories We Tell: People, Land, and Food Access

WHO: For any faith leaders, pastors, or clergy

WHEN: Saturday, June 22 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

WHERE: Corinth UMC | 23 W Williamsburg Rd, Sandston, VA 23150

DESCRIPTION: This summit will focus on naming the stories we tell about hunger in our local communities, uncovering hidden narratives about the root causes of hunger, and using scripture, personal narrative, and other sacred stories to create new stories about food access. We hope this conversation leads to:

• Greater capacity for faith leaders to engage their communities in addressing issues that cause food insecurity through innovative ministries and structural change work.
• Increased number of faith leaders have received up-to-date information and skills about faith-based hunger relief issues and policy issues related to food and agriculture, as well as opportunities to advocate for just and inclusive policies.
• Increased number of faith leaders are trained and engaged in narrative change strategies that challenge dominant narratives around why people are hungry, grounded in sound theological understanding.

Out of Darkness: A Community Remembers - Monday, May 6 from 12-1pm Eastern

We welcome you to join us for Out of Darkness: A Community Remembers, a Holocaust Remembrance Day event on Monday May 6^th, 12-1PM on National Mall near the Capitol, 4th St SW and Jefferson Dr SW. We are proud to sponsor this event, hosted by the Biden-Harris Administration.

The event features the Hate Ends Now exhibit, a 360 degree, immersive multimedia presentation housed inside an exact replica of a WW2 era cattle car just like the ones used to transport Jews and other targeted groups to concentration and death camps during the Holocaust. The event will also honor the memory of Hans George Hirsch, a holocaust survivor and 30-year public servant and commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the launch of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

U.S. Launch of the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023/24

Please join USDA for a discussion on the halal food ecosystem and a launch of the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report co-hosted by DinarStandard. This event will highlight and discuss key trends and data points including an emphasis on halal foods, products, and the halal economy. The State of the Global Islamic Economy Report is produced by DinarStandard, a US-based research and advisory firm. The Report is in its tenth edition and has become a global reference on growth and investment insights on the global Halal/Islamic Economy - encompassing halal foods, products, finance, and lifestyle sectors and services.  This year’s report indicates that Muslims spent $2.29 trillion in 2022 on food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, modest fashion, travel, and media, with USA playing a major role domestically and internationally.

Date & time: Wednesday, April 17th, 2024; 9:30 am – 11:30am

USDA Easter Community Gathering

Please join us for the USDA Easter Community Gathering on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 am Eastern. This event takes place in-person at the Jamie Whitten Building at USDA Headquarters located at 1400 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington D.C. 20250. Doors will open at 9:30am for check-in and registration. The program features remarks and dialogue with USDA leaders and community partners, and provides an opportunity to celebrate with each other during this important time of renewal.

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Faith and Food Justice

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – 2:00-3:30pm Eastern

Join the USDA Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to celebrate Women’s History Month as we highlight the work of faith leaders carrying food justice initiatives to address nutrition insecurity in their communities. The call features remarks from the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, a panel discussion, and presentations from subject matter experts at the Food and Nutrition Service and Agricultural Marketing Service, respectively, as they provide updates on programs that can be used to support food systems transformation. The webinar is virtual and takes place on Zoom.gov. Please register here: ZoomGov Celebrating Women’s History Month: Faith and Food Justice registration. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please email center@usda.gov.

• Session Recording
  • Passcode: TV&J%JN7

Back to the Mountaintop: Towards Student Food Justice

Thursday, January 18, 2024 | 2:00 – 4:00pm ET

Join the USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for a webinar celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and student activism on college campuses. The program highlights stories and best practices of student anti-hunger organizations and partners as they address on campus food insecurity through innovative partnerships. For additional information and to register, please view the ZoomGov Back to the Mountaintop: Towards Student Food Justice registration. You may also view the Back to the Mountaintop: Towards Student Food Justice agenda (PDF, 68.8 KB).

Best Practices for Countering Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Other Forms of Hatred on College Campuses

Thursday, November 16, 2-3:30pm EST

Join us for an upcoming webinar to discuss countering antisemitism and Islamophobia on college campuses across the country. Speakers will share information about the unique needs of religious minorities on campuses and communities in rural areas, and highlight best practices, tools, and strategies to address bias and acts of hatred on or surrounding campus.

Interfaith Leaders - Practical Strategies for Assessing and Countering antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Related Bias

Thursday, November 9, 12-2pm EST/11am CST

This webinar aims to engage with interfaith leaders to provide an assessment of the state of antisemitism and Islamophobia and highlight effective strategies to counter these and related forms of bias, centered on building solidarity across faiths in rural America. It will also be the preview for a multi-day, in-person summit slated for Spring 2024. Please join us to promote cross-community solidarity and address critical issues of discrimination and bias.

Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program – An Opportunity for Faith and Community-Based Organizations

Wednesday, November 1, 2-3:30pm Eastern

The 2024 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program (Farm to School Grant Program) Request for Application (RFA) is open! Join us for an upcoming call on the Farm to School Grant Program. On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School Grants that support planning and implementing farm to school programs. USDA's Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts. This webinar highlights faith and community-based organizations that have been awarded a Farm to School Grant and is hosted by the USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Community Food Systems Division at the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.

• ZoomGov Recording
• Passcode: 6Vu@&hd1
• PowerPoint Presentation (PDF, 3.5 MB)

Protecting Medicaid Coverage for Children and Families in Rural Communities

Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 2-3pm ET

Every American should have access to affordable, quality health care. As pandemic-era protections for Medicaid coverage end, states across the country are re-determining the eligibility of all persons enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and millions could potentially lose coverage. With close to 42 million kids covered by Medicaid and CHIP, it is essential that we make sure that families are taking the right steps to renew their health care coverage or enroll in another option.

What can you do? Join us, Thursday, October 19, at 2:00 p.m. ET, and learn how to inform and guide eligible community members to take action and keep kids, and families covered! This webinar is presented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships and coordinated with the HHS Partnership Center and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rural Prosperity and Sustainable Livelihoods: Partnerships to Address Suicide in Farming Communities
Tuesday, September 19 - Thursday, September 21, 2023

Please join the USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services to a farm stress and suicide prevention briefing, Rural Prosperity and Sustainable Livelihoods: Partnerships to Address Suicide in Farming Communities, taking place during National Farm Safety and Health Week and Suicide Prevention Month. This event will be held at the Whitten Building Patio and include policy discussions with USDA, members of Congress and Partners, trainings on suicide prevention and postvention, and more. For more information, you may visit the Prosperity & Sustainable Livelihoods: Suicide in Farming Communities event page.

Nutrition Security and Health Equity Webinar

This session features leadership remarks from Dr. Caree Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at USDA, and updates from FNS programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Child Nutrition Program, and more.

Session Recording

• ZoomGov recording
• Passcode: D6mm=P7!

LGBTQI+ Mental Health in Agricultural Communities

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET

LGBTQI+ Mental Health in Agricultural Communities Agenda (PDF, 191 KB)
LGBTQI+ Mental Health in Agricultural Communities Presentation Slides (PDF, 11.0 MB)
Tom Vilsack Remarks to USDA LGBTQI+ Mental Health in Ag Communities Virtual Workshop

The USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is excited to co-host the USDA Mental Health Awareness Month Workshop series scheduled weekly beginning Tuesdays, May 9 – Tuesday, June 6 from 2-3:30pm Eastern. The workshop series convenes farmers and ranchers, technical assistance providers, local leaders, and Federal, state, and university partners to dialogue and discuss mental health challenges, and stressors, and the resources and services to address them.

Session Recording

• ZoomGov recording
• Passcode: 0%Q@Ank$

Virtual USDA Mental Health Awareness Month Workshop Series – 2023

Farm Stress and Suicide: Faith, Place, and Community Health
Tuesday, May 30, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Farm Stress and Suicide: Faith, Place, and Community Health Agenda (PDF, 125 KB)
Farm Stress and Suicide: Faith, Place, and Community Health Presentation Slides (PDF, 3.4 MB)

This session provides an overview of the USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and highlights the challenges faced by many Americans during Mental Health Awareness Month. A training on farm stress, health and wellbeing will be provided by The Well Church Initiative of Texas A&M Extension, to discuss and highlight tools and resources available to faith and community-based organizations as they support their congregants and communities.

Session Recording

• ZoomGov recording
• Passcode: KHjm+1AY

Rural Mental Health Matters: Challenges, Opportunities & Resources for Communities cohosted by the National Association of Behavioral Health and Development Disability Directors
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Rural Mental Health Matters Presentation Slides (PDF, 2.2 MB)

This session focuses on the resources and tools that are available in rural places, where over 60% of Americans live in mental health provider shortage areas. Speakers will examine current programs focused on giving rural and frontier communities the tools they need to thrive through creative problem solving. With perspectives rooted in rural services, behavioral health, and technology, the presentations and follow-on conversation will explore the importance of increasing the efficiency of providers in rural areas and other solutions, to challenges that rural communities face to ensure community wellbeing and economic prosperity.

Farm Stress and Suicide Prevention: Data, Challenges, and Opportunities co-hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Farm Stress and Suicide Prevention Agenda (PDF, 157 KB)
Presentation slides (PDF, 9.3 MB)

Session Recording

• ZoomGov recording
• Passcode: R2E?3xVU

This session provides context for the issue of farm stress and suicide by focusing on available data, challenges, and opportunities for farm stress researchers, practitioners, and service providers. Panelists include the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Aid, and others to discuss the state of the field and offer insights into their respective partner programs, resources, and emergent needs.

Veteran’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Workshop
Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET
Veteran's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Workshop Agenda (PDF, 212 KB)

Session Recording

• ZoomGov recording
• 3K3D#?nq

Rural Veterans experience a significantly increased risk of suicide. In this workshop, you will learn how to act with care and compassion if you encounter a Veteran who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach: Socially Disadvantaged, Veteran, and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Equitable Development

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM Eastern

The meeting will focus on the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach (FOTO) program, which is the combination of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) and the Outreach and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (2501 Program). The program encourages and assists socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers (SDVFRs) and beginning farmers and ranchers (BFRs) in the ownership and operation of farms and ranches through education and training; and promote equitable participation in the agricultural programs of USDA. The call highlights best practices and innovative examples of faith and community-based organizations, technical assistance providers and intermediaries that implement both BFRDP and 2501.

Registration
Flyer
Agenda
Bios
Presentation
Please contact OPPE’s Alex Cordova at alex.cordova@usda.gov with any questions.

Strengthening Partnerships across the Food and Healthcare System to Improve Food and Nutrition Security

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 | 1:00-3:00 PM Eastern

The program highlights best practices and innovative examples of faith and community-based organizations, technical assistance providers and intermediaries that implement nutrition incentive programs doubling the value of EBT benefits, or prescribing fruits and vegetables for redemption, at farmers markets and other retail outlets. The USDA Partnership Center is partnering with the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which administers the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Grant Program, to highlight available resources and technical assistance to support communities in starting new programs or assisting customers in using incentives.

Registration
Agenda (PDF, 111 KB)
Speaker Bios (PDF, 367 KB)
Recording - Passcode: .44A2j2b
Please contact OPPE’s Alex Cordova at alex.cordova@usda.gov with any questions.

Ensuring Healthy Food for All: Addressing Rural Food Insecurity

Wednesday, August 11, 2021 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm EDT

The USDA Center for Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships is hosting a meeting next week to highlight best practices and innovative examples of civic society partners addressing farm stress. The program will highlight best practices and innovative examples of faith-based organizations and civic society partners as they address rural food insecurity through innovative partnerships with food hubs and churches/houses of worship. Please contact Alex Córdova at alex.cordova@usda.gov with any questions.
Flyer (PDF, 8.4 MB)
Agenda
Speaker Bios
Presentation Slides
Recording

Sustainable Livelihoods and Mental Health: Strategies to Address Farm Stress

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 | 1:00-3:00 pm EDT

The program will highlight best practices and innovative examples of faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and civic society partners to address farm stress. The USDA Partnership Center is partnering with the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which operates the Farm Stress Ranch Assistance Network (FRSAN) grant program, to highlight the interconnections between farm stress, mental health, and sustainable livelihoods. Please see the materials for the meeting below:
Flyer (PDF, 481 KB)
Agenda (PDF, 149 KB)
Speaker Bios (PDF, 358 KB)
Presentation (PDF, 1.0 MB)
Infographic (PDF, 311 KB)
Watch USDA OPPE Farm Stress Meeting

Please contact Alex Córdova at alex.cordova@usda.gov with any questions.

Partnerships that Foster Nutrition Security, Resilience, and Food Justice

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | 1:00-3:00 PM EDT

The program will highlight best practices and innovative examples of faith-based organizations, houses of worship, and civic society partners that have focused on nutrition security, resilient food systems, and food justice. A special emphasis will be placed on capacity building, as well as the role of social capital, technical assistance, and adaptive capacity, in mitigating and alleviating challenges. Please see the materials for the meeting below:
Flyer (PDF, 4.5 MB)
Agenda
Speaker Bios (PDF, 305 KB)
Recording

Please contact OPPE’s Alex Cordova at alex.cordova@usda.gov with any questions.

USDA Faith Fellowship and Food Security Virtual Convening

The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) hosted the USDA Faith Fellowship and Food Security Convening that took place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, December 15-17, 2020 from 1:00 - 4:30 PM (EST) on Zoom. The convening brought together over 130 faith-based organizations and houses of workshop to engage with peers, discuss common challenges, and hear of best practices related to food security and community food system resilience. Sessions featured dialogue and discussion around the Farmers to Families Food Box program as well as other innovative anti-hunger approaches on going throughout the country. USDA subject matter experts were on hand to explore tools and resources to build resilience at the local level.

Save The Date (PDF, 129 KB)
Agenda
Participant and Federal Subject Matter Expert Contact List
Convening Resource List

Slides and Presentations

Day 1, Tuesday December 15
-CFOI Strategic Partner Response

Day 2, Wednesday, December 16
-Community Food Systems, Michigan State University
-Food Policy Councils, Johns Hopkins University Center for a Livable Future (CLF)

Day 3, Thursday, December 17
-USDA Resources to Build a Resilient Food System
-Breakout: Houses of Worship
-Breakout: Regional Food Systems

-Federal Partner Presentations
-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)