Real Farmer Care
Founded in January 2020 by farmer Clara Coleman, Real Farmer Care’s founding mission is to support farmers’ self-care needs and allocate donated funds directly to farmers as $100 self-care awards.
Self-care is generally defined as the practice of taking an active role in protecting and improving one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during times of stress. Self-care activities are inexpensive but rarely prioritized. Farmer self-care can look like a delicious dinner with friends and family at a restaurant where their products are served, a family fun day outing, a deep tissue massage for overworked muscles, a gym or yoga membership to build strength and cultivate relaxation, monthly online therapy sessions to process challenging life stressors, or even a new pair of boot insoles to support their tired feet.
Research shows that higher levels of self-care play a pivotal role in healthier lives and improved longevity. As levels of burnout continue to increase in farmers, especially those with marginalized identities, initiatives that financially support farmers in taking time to recharge are essential.
Real Farmer Care recognizes that BIPOC farmers (Black, Indigenous, People Of Color) are disproportionately impacted in access to land, education, and capital by systemic racism. On top of all of the common challenges that exist in farming, this means that BIPOC growers face substantial additional hurdles that impact their everyday wellness and livelihood. Therefore, making space to center and prioritize their needs is paramount. Since Real Farmer Care began awarding self-care grants in 2020, over 50% of the 239 Real Farmer Care grant recipients have been BIPOC and LGBTQ+ farmers.
Recipients pictured from Left to Right Top Row: Mary Creveling & Nicole Gilmore (formerly of Silver Seeds Farm); Amber Tamm; Mark & Kristin Kimball of Essex Farm @essexfarmcsa Bottom Row: Vera Fabian & Gordon Jenkins of Ten Mothers Farm @tenmothersfarm; David & Nneka Williams of Sunset Market Gardens @sunsetmarketgardens; Bil Thorn of Sky Island Farm @skyislandfarm
To learn more and meet farmer recipients, visit Real Farmer Care on Instagram and Facebook.
