Boulder Valley Farm Families' Support Program
In a season of celebration for soon-to-be and new parents within our FFC community, it has become clear that there is a glaring issue for young farming families. There's a lack of support, funding, and care for farming families. Young farmers are small business owners and many don't have access to the things other professions take for granted: paid maternity/family leave, adequate health insurance, easy access to healthcare/hospitals, and labor support to assist while new moms are recovering.
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The Flatirons Farmers Coalition (A 501c3) is developing a program to support producers in our community who are starting or growing families.
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At this time, we have multiple farming families who are currently in, or will soon be in, their first year as parents. We seek to build a program that provides these families with financial, educational, and community support through this challenging time.
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A New Farming Family Fund:
We are building a fund that provides small grants, between $3000 and $5000 per family, to offset the cost of hiring help on the farm for recovering birthing parents whose labor is integral to the functioning of their farming operation.
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We have secured a funder willing to match up to $30,000 to fully fund this program for year 1.
The platform linked above charges the donor a transparent, minimal fee with an optional tip, meaning the full amount you select at the beginning of check-out will reach this program. If you would like to contribute to this fund without donating through the above link, please contact kelsolauren95@gmail.com .
This fund will be paired with:
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A workshop for new and expecting families with a focus on navigating postpartum and childcare needs for farm families. This workshop is being developed in partnership with Boulder and Larimer County Extension Office (Confirmed), Nourish Colorado (Confirmed), National Young Farmers Coalition, Poudre Valley Community Farms, RMFU AgWell, and Agrability. (We have submitted a mini-WSARE grant with CSU extension for this portion of the program).
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A care package, which includes postnatal care items and equipment that helps facilitate providing for a child in a farming environment including shade equipment, child carriers, strollers with good shade and cooling capacity, battery powered fans, etc.
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A resource guide that provides guidance on where to find the following types of resources that are in tune with the unique challenges facing farmers and an agriculture business:
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Mental health support services
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Financial advising services
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Insurance brokers who can help advise on “life change” events like childbirth
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Safety net info including FAMLI program and Medicaid
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And Childcare programs
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Other Details:
Partners and Supporters of This Program:
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National Young Farmers Coalition
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CSU Extension
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Nourish Colorado
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Mad Agriculture
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Intent to Replicate and Share More Broadly
We believe this project–the maternity fund and associated resources– can and should be utilized far beyond the boundaries of our farming community. We will make all resources open source and have the capacity and relationships to ensure our process and resources are fully available to other organizations and communities. We have already had interest from other regions of Colorado to share these resources when they are developed more broadly.
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Addressing Funding Award Criteria and Other Questions Regarding Administration:
We would love to discuss any and all questions that may arise from funders regarding determining the need for these resources and how we will go about administering funds. We believe that producers that would seek this support, need it. We can and will prioritize producers that can demonstrate that they are low-income, BIPOC, or from otherwise underrepresented producer groups. We also have extensive, nationwide, research to show there is a need for this kind of support for young farm families and can provide that upon request.
Why this is important:
Supporting young farmer families in navigating postpartum and childcare is crucial for several reasons:
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Workforce Sustainability:
Young farm families are a vital part of the agricultural workforce. However, the high cost and lack of availability of affordable childcare create significant barriers. By addressing these challenges, we ensure that these families can remain in farming, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of agriculture, especially when considering 40% of America’s farmland is owned by farmers 65 and over. -
Economic Impact:
The burden of expensive childcare and postpartum care can deter young people from pursuing farming careers. This economic strain can result in reduced farm productivity and profitability. By supporting maternity and childcare needs, we help alleviate financial pressures on young farmers, enabling them to focus on growing their farms and contributing more effectively to the local and national economy. -
Work-Life Balance:
Managing both farming responsibilities and childcare can be overwhelming. Adequate support helps improve work-life balance, which is crucial for maintaining mental health and preventing burnout among young farmers. This, in turn, fosters a more resilient and dedicated farming community. There is consistent and compelling research that highlights the need for support for farm families in this way. -
Community and Family Well-Being:
Childcare and parent wellness has important implications for broader community well-being. When young farmers can better manage their family and childcare responsibilities, they are more likely to stay involved in their communities, contribute to local economies, and support regional agricultural networks.
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In summary, supporting young farmer families with postpartum and childcare challenges not only enhances their personal well-being but also strengthens the agricultural sector, ensuring its sustainability and growth for future generations.
The platform linked above charges the donor a transparent, minimal fee with an optional tip, meaning the full amount you select at the beginning of check-out will reach this program. If you would like to contribute to this fund without donating through the above link, please contact kelsolauren95@gmail.com .
More About the Flatirons Farmers Coalition
The Flatirons Farmers Coalition (FFC) creates creating a thriving and inclusive local agricultural community rooted in regenerative agriculture, food security, and land stewardship. Our Coalition is made up of both beginning and experienced producers as well as local food advocates in Boulder County. FFC connects and empowers Boulder County growers and community members through peer-to-peer learning, community building, and advocacy.
* This program was developed with input and resources from Colorado State University Extension, National Young Farmers Coalition, and the Flatirons Farmers Coalition
The platform linked above charges the donor a transparent, minimal fee with an optional tip, meaning the full amount you select at the beginning of check-out will reach this program. If you would like to contribute to this fund without donating through the above link, please contact kelsolauren95@gmail.com .
Donate to the Farming Families Fund
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