To enhance the black belt regional food system provide an array of diverse marketing opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers and increases the availability of healthy foods across the region

The United Christian Community Association, a minority-owned non-profit organization in Alabama, was awarded a $210,125 Cooperative Agreement grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. This 2-year grant, which runs from September 2023 to September 2025, is funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (CFDA 10.912) to enhance the regional food system, provide diverse marketing opportunities for socially disadvantaged farmers, and increase the availability of healthy foods across the Black Belt region of Alabama. Key activities include on-farm consultations, development of educational resources, and hands-on training related to whole farm planning, food safety protocols, and expanding production and marketing capabilities for limited resource and socially disadvantaged farmers and food producers. The organization frequently partners with academic institutions, national organizations, and government agencies to deliver this grant-funded work.