02/26/2025
Over the past year, the James Beard Foundation has worked alongside chefs and their farmer partners to advocate for the protection of USDA’s climate-smart agriculture funding. But now, farmers are facing a crisis: critical USDA funds that were promised to them are being withheld, jeopardizing their ability to prepare for planting, upgrade infrastructure, and invest in sustainable practices.
This funding freeze doesn’t just hurt farmers, it hurts independent restaurants and their customers, too. It disrupts the entire food supply chain, driving up costs and limiting access to the fresh, sustainable ingredients that define our menus. We need to act now.
Amplify Your Voice: Share Your Story on Social Media
Lawmakers are paying attention, and your voice can make an impact. Help raise awareness by creating a short video and sharing it on social media.
Video Tips for Maximum Impact:
✅ Show Up as a Business Owner: You aren’t just a concerned citizen, you are a business owner that employees people and supports your local economy.
✅ Keep it Short & Powerful – Aim for 30-60 seconds.
✅ Film in a Quiet, Well-Lit Space – Avoid background noise and ensure your face is clearly visible.
✅ Use Natural Light When Possible – Face a window or film outside in the shade for the best lighting.
✅ Hold the Camera Steady – Use a tripod or place your phone on a stable surface. If holding it, use both hands.
✅ Speak Clearly & from the Heart – Authenticity matters!
✅ Practice Before Recording – Run through your message once or twice to get comfortable.
Sample Video Script:
At [Restaurant Name], we see firsthand how climate change and severe weather hurt our businesses and impact our local food supply chain, leading to rising costs and food shortages. My restaurant depends on [insert how your restaurant relies on fresh, local ingredients], and just like restaurants, farms operate on incredibly slim margins.
When a commitment is made to a farmer, the USDA must keep it. Right now, critical climate-smart agriculture funds that were promised to farms are being withheld—jeopardizing planting seasons, infrastructure, and the future of our food system.
I’m calling on [insert elected officials names] to tell the USDA to release these funds and protect this funding long-term. That’s why I’ve joined the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign to stand with our local farmers.
Tag your video with: and tag [ MEMBER(S) OF CONGRESS and GOVERNOR]"*
Don’t wait—take action today to protect our local food supply and the farmers who sustain it.
Thank you,
PS
Have questions on taking action – join us at the Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival webinar on Friday, February 28th at 12 pm ET. RSVP HERE.
