Alexandria, Va. — Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) announced today that it was among the entities selected to receive funding through the Farm and Food Workers Relief Grant Program (FFWR).
CCUSA was one of 15 organizations selected for their proven track records working with farmworkers and meatpacking workers; strong partnerships with worker-serving organizations; and ability to provide services in critical geographic areas to collectively ensure nationwide coverage under this program.
“USDA is committed not only to acknowledging the work of our nation’s essential agricultural and food workers but also ensuring they are not left out of opportunities for relief from the effects of the pandemic,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The program, administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), will distribute funding to provide relief to farmworkers and meatpacking workers who incurred pandemic-related health and safety costs. Funding is also set aside for three pilot programs to support grocery workers in recognition of their essential role in the pandemic response.
CCUSA is in the process of preparing systems and outreach so that eligible workers may apply to receive $600 payments soon.
The grant will be distributed among Catholic Charities agencies in California, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oregon and Washington state; More than 12,000 beneficiaries are projected to qualify through Catholic Charities for this program.
USDA anticipates that beneficiaries will be able to apply for funds from some recipients as soon as late November. Workers must provide valid proof of ID and employment to receive a payment.
Latest News
